Thurston surprised by Hunt snub
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Karmichael Hunt and Johnathan Thurston... Australian team-mates no more after Hunt was omitted (file photo). (Getty Images: Chris McGrath)
Kangaroos half-back Johnathan Thurston says he expected to see Brisbane full-back Karmichael Hunt in the squad for the Rugby League World Cup.
Australian coach Ricky Stuart has opted for Manly full-back Brett Stewart and Melbourne's Billy Slater in his 24-man squad.
Thurston says he thought Stuart would be keen to have Hunt playing alongside Broncos team-mate Darren Lockyer.
"I thought his combination with Locky over the last couple of years had been very good at the Broncos and with Queensland and obviously Australia," he said.
"But obviously the selectors have chosen Stewart and Billy there so it's a little unlucky."
Thurston said he was excited by his own selection, given North Queensland's poor season.
"[It's] obviously pretty special, the World Cup only comes around every four years so it's certainly something I'lll look back to when I retire," he said.
"The body feels good, I've had three or so weeks off and only did a couple of [training] sessions.
"That was the plan, to just freshen up and get the mind and body fresh so come World Cup, I'm firing."
Asked if Manly skipper Matt Orford was unlucky to miss out on the squad, Thurston replied:
"Obviously they've had a pretty good couple of years the Sea Eagles, but I wasn't too worried about who comes into the squad," he said.
"All I was worried about is if i've done enough to get into the squad.
"So unlucky for him he's not, but they picked Princey (Scott Prince) and he's done a good job at the Titans."
Thurston said he would be looking to play every game in the tournament.
"I'm not too sure how Ricky will rotate the squad but certainly I will be putting my hand up to play in every game," he said.
"I don't want to get rested, I don't want to give my jersey up, it means too much to me," he said.
"If I get dropped for form then I'll cop that on the chin, but I want to play in every game."
