New South Wales coach Laurie Daley has lauded the toughness of Johnathon Thurston after last Wednesday nights  classic State of Origin encounter in Sydney.

Thurston went into the match under an injury cloud and appeared to be carrying his shoulder for much of the match.

Daley (pictured) says while there’s no doubt about the toughness of the Qld champion, the injury is perhaps not as bad as many think.