Queensland halfback Johnathan Thurston admits he began expecting the worst as he awaited the verdict at Wednesday night's NRL judiciary hearing in Sydney.

"I was starting to think it was not going to go my way," said the North Queensland Cowboys star on his return to Townsville on Thursday.

"When I heard to words 'not guilty' I was very relieved and happy."

Thurston was facing a two-match ban on his contrary conduct charge for running into referee Matt Cecchin in last Saturday's win over the Warriors.

The 28-year-old was cleared to play on Sunday against Penrith and in the State of Origin decider on July 6 when the panel ruled the collision was unintentional.

"Rules are rules but in my case it was a freak accident," he said.

"I'm just glad I will be able to play this weekend."

He described the scene as he walked into the NRL's headquarters at Fox Studios for the hearing as a "bit of a circus" with all the cameras, lights and journalists.

"It was a long delay until I got the verdict which was a huge weight off my shoulders," he said.

"I can now play against Penrith on Sunday and then prepare for the Origin decider alongside Darren Lockyer.

"Sunday is my focus right now, then I'll turn my attention to Origin."

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