The NRL has announced plans for a testimonial match for Johnathon Thurston and Cameron Smith.

The game will be played at Lang park in the pre season and could net the players as much as $750,000 each, none of which would be included in the salary cap.

Former international Gordon Tallis (pictured) says while there’s no doubt for the potential for a giant can of worms to be opened up over the game, the services provided to the game by Thurston and Smith deserve to rewarded in what could be both players final year in the game.