A FURIOUS Johnathan Thurston claims the NRL's Sydney-based clubs are receiving favourable treatment partly because of Queensland's record domination of State of Origin.
In an emotional blast at NRL hierarchy following the Cowboys' controversial finals loss to Cronulla, Thurston says he hopes Melbourne win this year's title, adding: "I just can't stand Sydney."
Thurston's stance came as Cowboys football manager Peter Parr accused NRL powerbrokers of "forgetting" North Queensland and doing more to promote the game in western Sydney.
Departing Cowboys coach Neil Henry spoke of a "Sydney-centric" conspiracy after the 20-18 defeat, claiming many view an all-Sydney Roosters-Souths grand final as the "ideal" decider.
Test playmaker Thurston is convinced an anti-Queensland sentiment exists in Sydney NRL circles, fuelled by the Maroons' eight-year reign over an embattled NSW side.
"One-hundred per cent there is a bias towards Sydney ... 100 per cent," Thurston said.
"Sydney and NSW haven't won anything for that long, we've won all these Origin series, of course that (an all-Sydney grand final) is what they want.
"To be honest, I hope Melbourne win it, I really hope Melbourne win it.
"I just can't stand Sydney mate.
"I'm still shattered about what's happened. We're the ones going home with our tails between our legs yet again.
"Two years in a row we have been dudded by the NRL's referees."
Parr played down talk of any Sydney bias, but believes NRL officialdom takes the Cowboys for granted in their bid to repel the AFL's incursion into western Sydney.
"I wouldn't say there's an anti-Queensland feeling but we certainly feel neglected at times," Parr said.
"On Saturday night, with the refereeing and the lack of security for our players (after the game), that only adds fuel to our sentiments.
"Compared to some of the help that appears to be going on in western Sydney, we felt we are left out of the loop when it comes to help.
"We are a club that punches well above our weight. We are low-maintenance, we are one of the few clubs that is financially stable.
"We stand on our own two feet. We spend a lot of resources promoting the game in North Queensland and at times we feel forgotten about."
Cowboys boss Peter Jourdain said the club is unlikely to lodge a formal complaint because the NRL is likely to act first by axing referees Matt Cecchin and Henry Perenara.
"We have to reassess when we are a bit calmer," he said.
"We've had some of the NRL officials see us and they are as embarrassed anyone. I'm not sure we'll have to do anything because they will probably take some action anyway.
"It's a mistake that is hard to fathom, especially as something as simple as someone counting to six.
"There were six officials and you would think one of them can count to six, but there's no point saying too much more. We have to get on with life."
