Johnathan Thurston

Thurston said Cronk, who rolled his ankle at training on Friday, had earned the right to be given until the last minute to prove his fitness.

Queensland doctor Matt Hislop said precautionary scans on Cronk's injury were encouraging and it was hoped aggressive treatment would ensure the half-back was ready to play New South Wales.

While all members of the squad took part in the session Thurston did skip some of the tackling drills but ran freely and did plenty of kicking practice, showing few ill effects from the hard knock he copped from Queensland teammate Josh McGuire in the Cowboys-Broncos classic last Friday night.

It wouldn't be a Queensland Origin camp without an 'injury scare' of some sort but Inglis rejected the notion that it in any way would put Thurston in doubt for Game One of the 2016 Holden State of Origin Series at ANZ Stadium. 

"It's just a bruise, he'll get over it," Inglis said.

Now its seems there are two more - field goals decide North Queensland-Brisbane NRL derbies and nothing will stop Johnathan Thurston from playing State of Origin.

Thurston is on track to play a record 34th straight Origin game for Queensland on June 1 after dismissing hip injury concerns in the wake of a third consecutive derby decided by one point.

An Honorary Doctor of Letters is one of the highest honours that the Townsville university can bestow and completes an unforgettable year for Thurston who won the Telstra Premiership with the Cowboys, the State of Origin shield with Queensland, a record third Golden Boot as the world's best player and also married long-time partner Samantha Lynch.

James Cook University’s Chancellor, Lt. Gen. John Grey AC (Retired) said Thurston deserved to be recognised for the positive influence that stretches far beyond the football field.