Throughout a glittering career, Thurston has won it all. Dally Ms, the Golden Boot, a Clive Churchill Medal. But he maintains the Rugby League Players' Association trophy is the highest individual honour in the game and this year it takes on an even greater significance for JT.

The trophy has been modelled on two iconic images. Not only is it a nod to Thurston's fist raised in triumph, but also the role played by Australian Peter Norman during the "Black Power"' salute of African-American athletes Tommie Smith and John Carlos during the 1968 Mexico Games.

Norman's decision to stand in solidarity with his fellow Olympic medallists effectively ended his career. It's a story that is close to the heart of RLPA president Ian Prendergast, who was once coached by Neville Sillitoe, who oversaw Norman's preparations.

Thurston said it was an honour to be acknowledged in the trophy design alongside Norman.

"When you win that award, that's the best you can win," Thurston said before the 2017 awards ceremony at The Star on Tuesday.

"I've won the award on four occasions and I'm very proud to receive that. In my eyes, there's no bigger honour in the game than being voted by your peers as the best player in the game.

"It's a tough competition, 26 gruelling rounds and then you put Tests and Origins and final series on top of that.

"It's a tough competition and when your peers are voting you as the best, it's a great feeling. There is no higher honour. They are the ones you come up against week in week out, they are the ones that drive you to be the best you can be."

With Thurston out of action due to injury, Cameron Smith is the overwhelming favourite for the 2017 gong.

"It would be hard to go past Smithy cleaning up this year," Thurston said.

"His consistency this year makes it one of his best years. He hasn't played a bad game this year and has come up with some big plays to either keep the Storm in the hunt or to extend their lead.

"He's dominating games like I've never seen before."

Unfortunately for North Queensland, Thurston will be missing for Sunday's elimination final against Cronulla. The teams have developed one of the great modern rivalries after meeting in four of the past five finals series.

"It's been going for a long time now," Thurston said.

"There was the seventh-tackle try, we put a good score on them in 2015 but I don't think we've beaten them since then. They dusted us up in the finals last year, so there's a lot riding on it."

Thurston backed young playmaker Te Maire Martin to handle the pressure of finals football in his absence.

"He's an exciting talent, a bloke that asks plenty of questions and wants to learn," he said.

"He's still learning the game but it's good to see when a young half wants to be the best he can be."