Darren Lockyer's record 350th National Rugby League game has become a lot tougher with North Queensland naming Johnathan Thurston and prop Matt Scott in their side for Friday's clash in Townsville.
Thurston has pushed forward his recovery from a knee injury, suffered in Queensland's State of Origin series win over NSW last month, in the hope of being part of Lockyer's milestone game.
Lockyer said yesterday he rated Thurston as among the world's best players and hoped the halfback would be able to play.
Thurston tested out his knee, which was still sore because of deep bone bruising, with some contact training on Monday.
With Brisbane heading north without Maroons prop Ben Hannant (hip flexor), Scott's return tips the scales the Cowboys way in a clash which will have a significant impact on the make-up of the top four just four weeks out from the finals.
