Johnathan Thurston has shocked the rugby league world by revealing he would be stepping down from all representative footy after the 2017 World Cup.

The great halfback said he couldn’t see himself playing in 2019 but would give back to his club North Queensland by playing one more season in 2018.

“I can’t see myself going around in 2019,” Thurston told the Courier Mail.

“I have indicated to the club I will be stepping down after the World Cup.

“If I have the last year in 2018 I want to make sure I am enjoying it.”