Recovering captain Johnathan Thurston is a big chance of running out in the Cowboys' crucial NRL clash with Parramatta in Townsville on Friday night - at least a week ahead of schedule.

North Queensland football manager Dean Lance confirmed that Thurston - who suffered a shoulder muscle tear barely two weeks ago - ran with the team on Friday morning.

"He exercised with the players (Friday) morning but I can't confirm whether he will be playing (Friday) night," Lance told AAP.

It is believed the Test halfback passed a fitness test on Thursday night.

The rumour mill started when TV cameras were ushered away from Cowboys training after their warm-up on Thursday.

Thurston's return would be a massive boost for the out of sorts Cowboys who are also without Luke O'Donnell (suspension), Aaron Payne and Matt Bowen (injury).

North Queensland have won just five times in 20 games without Thurston.

Cowboys coach Neil Henry said this week that the clash with the Eels was "crucial" after slumping to a 2-4 record following an embarrassing last round loss in Newcastle.

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