Thurston free for Origin

Correspondent

Johnathan Thurston is free to play in the third match of the Origin series after being cleared by the NRL judiciary.

Thurston was slapped with a contrary conduct charge after colliding with referee Matt Cecchin during North Queensland’s 30-10 victory over the New Zealand Warriors on Saturday.

If found guilty, Thurston could have been hit with a two week ban, ruling out of the State of Origin decider on July 6.

But after a lengthy period of deliberation, the panel of Ian Roberts, Michael Buettner and Sean Garlick found Thurston not guilty.

He is free to play in the Cowboys’ round 16 clash with Penrith at Centerbet Stadium on Sunday.

NRL Johnathan Thurston