Thurston responds to cultural criticism in Queensland

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Queensland aide Johnathan Thurston hit back at claims the Maroons camp has a bad culture.

With Jai Arrows breaking up COVID after losing the first two games of the series in a stunning way, the Queensland camp has been called into question for its professionalism.

While Thurston admits they haven’t been at their best, he has denied claims that there are significant issues with the sides’ culture and values.

Joining Sportsday, Thurston was asked if these claims bothered him.

It certainly is, Thurston replied.

I have been fortunate enough to play a lot of games (for Queensland) and be part of this family.

The greats of our sport have worn the Maroons jersey and it is they who have built this culture over the past 40 years.

The culture isn’t built on two games, it really came under my skin because they challenged the character of the players who came before us and that’s where you pretty much learn your craft.

The standard and behavior of the captains and leaders of these teams in the past is what has built the culture of the Maroons jersey.

This is passed on to the next generation, which is what you learn when you enter Camp Origin.

I really understood that they questioned the culture of the Maroons given that it was based on 40 years of camaraderie.

I was quite virulent because they questioned the character of the players who wore it before us.

They were picking on our family and that really irritated me.

Queensland will have the opportunity to respond to Origin III reports on Wednesday July 14 on the Gold Coast.

Listen to the full chat here.

State of origin Queensland

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