JT calls for Origin to go three in a row

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JOHNATHAN Thurston has slammed NRL officials for allowing the State of Origin schedule to become "borderline ridiculous".

The game's best playmaker said the series must become a stand-alone event with the three Origins played on consecutive Wednesdays with players banned from competing for their clubs in between.

Thurston said players backing up for their NRL clubs following an Origin game was becoming a serious welfare issue.

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Johnathan Thurston at Queensland training. Source: News Corp Australia

Thurston played for the Cowboys just three nights after Origin I, widely regarded as the most intense contest in the concept's history.

"After being part of Game One, and how much interest it brought not only across the nation, but around the world, to be backing up for our clubs is getting borderline ridiculous," the five-eighth said.

"The boys take a lot of pride in backing up for their club.

"I just don't know why we have to do it. The power brokers of the game can surely come up with a better system.

"I have never been a part of such a brutal game before.

"It was one of the fastest games I have been a part of.

"When you have to back up for your club a few days later it is tough work."

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Johnathan Thurston in action for Queensland. Source: News Corp Australia

Wayne Bennett recently released his own vision of an Origin schedule that would dramatically reduce player workload.

The Bennett plan sees Origin played over a one-month period in June.

Each State would pick a 22-man squad and play three games in three weeks on Wednesday nights.

They take a mandatory 10-day break after Origin III and then return to club football.

Johnathan Thurston of the Maroons reacts to something on the field. Source: Getty Images

"I totally agree with it," Thurston said of Bennett's plan.

"From what I have read crowd numbers are down, TV ratings are down this time of the year.

"Why we're still pushing (for the same schedule) ... I don't know why.

"Club footy will benefit from it. It will create more interest for fans when club footy returns.

"Having the three games stand alone, without a doubt in my mind, is the way to go."

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Johnathan Thurston at training. Source: News Corp Australia

The difficulty is, the code is locked in to a broadcast deal with Channel Nine and Fox Sports until the end of 2017.

Even if the ARL Commission wanted to change the schedule, broadcasters could point to the contract and block any move.

Origin I was the most watched television program this year and the highest rating Game One in history.

Game Two in Sydney next Wednesday is expected to be the highest rating Origin of all time.

The reason is the quality if football gets better each year and players are rightfully questioning the toll their performances take on their body long-term.

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