Inside the NRL: Johnathan Thurston rules out Super League move

Jenna Brooks has the latest from the NRL as North Queensland and Canberra book their place in the preliminary finals, Jonathan Thurston rules out a move to Super League and Canberra look to keep Josh Hodgson long-term.

Then there were four

The Canberra Raiders and North Queensland Cowboys have advanced to the preliminary finals. The Cowboys will play Cronulla after they beat Brisbane 26-20 in what was one of the greatest games of the season.

The game couldn't be decided in 80 minutes, so it went to extra-time and it was no surprise who stepped up to deliver for his team.

It was 20-20 when the game went into extra-time, and Johnathan Thurston produced a spectacular flick pass to set up Michael Morgan for the winning try.

The star playmaker managed to overcome a stomach bug to help lead his team to victory.

"I couldn't be more proud of the boys the way they responded after the way we started," the reigning Dally M medallist said after the win.

On Saturday, the Raiders beat Penrith 22-12 to take a step closer to their first premiership in the NRL era. The win sets up a preliminary final against minor premiers Melbourne. 

The club was boosted by the surprise inclusion of Josh Hodgson. The England international wasn't only nursing an ankle injury, but had spent days leading up to the match in bed with a stomach bug. 

"He had been in bed all day Friday and Saturday." Canberra coach Ricky Stuart said before praising the hooker.

"He came down with a bad stomach bug. He is a tough Pom. It's what the team is about. It's what our club is about now.

"What he got through this week, the resilience of the playing group was amazing."

Hodgson for life

Hodgson has been an instrumental part of Canberra's run to the finals, so understandably the club want to make him a Raider for life.

The Englishman is in the process of becoming a permanent Australian resident. The star hooker's current deal expires at the end of 2018 but according to reports in Australia, Canberra are hoping to extend his contract well past that date.

"I want him to be here forever." said Stuart. "He is not only a great player but he is a great person."

JT's decision

Unfortunately for Super League fans, arguably the greatest player in the game, Johnathan Thurston, has made it clear he won't be moving to the UK. That's despite Wigan and St Helens doing their best to lure the legendary player to England.

Before Friday's game with the Broncos, Thurston, whose contract expires next season, insists he will be finishing his career in Townsville.

"I don't know what the standard is like over there but I'm settled at the Cowboys and my manager is in the process of hopefully negotiating a new deal to play on," he said.

"I don't know whether I will go on [beyond a 12-month extension] but whatever happens I would like to finish my career at the Cowboys."

RIP Ron Massey

Rugby League legend Ron Massey has sadly lost his battle with cancer at the age of 86.

Massey is considered one of the greatest coaching influences to ever grace the game and played a pivotal role in the careers of both Jack Gibson and Wayne Bennett. 

NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg said: "The greatest tribute I can give to Ron is that the game would not be what it is today without him."

A moment's silence will be held at both preliminary finals this weekend in tribute to the iconic figure.