Johnathan Thurston misses All Stars to focus on World Cup Challenge

Golden Boot winner Johnathan Thurston has pulled out of the NRL All Stars game in order to focus on North Queensland's showdown with Leeds in the 2016 World Club Challenge.

Thurston is side-stepping the annual curtain-raiser to the NRL season between the Indigenous All Stars and a World XIII in Brisbane on February 13 so that he can be fresh to lead the Cowboys against the Super League champions at Headingley eight days later.

"I will always have great affection for the All Stars match and I am already aiming to be back for next year's game," said Thurston.

"But this is a unique opportunity to win the World Club Challenge and I want to do all I can to help the Cowboys achieve that goal."

Thurston, who was last month awarded the Golden Boot as international player of the year for the third time, is also likely to sit out next month's Auckland Nines, although he will travel with the side.

"I'll take my boots but I don't think I'll play," said the 32-year-old. "It's more precautionary. The body's pretty good actually.

"I'm preparing for the season and I don't want that risk of getting injured."

South Sydney's Greg Inglis has been named as Thurston's replacement as the captain of the Indigenous All Stars.

"It's an incredible honour," said Inglis.

"It is always a special time for me - not only is the game itself something to remember but the week is always a highlight.

"Whilst it's unfortunate that JT won't be out there with us, I fully understand his decision to add the World Club Challenge to his resume."