North Queensland co-captain Johnathan Thurston hasn't ruled out returning from injury a week earlier than expected for the NRL blockbuster against Brisbane on August 12.

Thurston was all smiles after running for the first time at Cowboys training on Wednesday - a major milestone since the Queensland playmaker broke down with a knee injury in Origin III earlier this month.

"It was a good feeling to be back out on the training paddock. It has been a while since I had - it was like being a little kid again," Thurston said.

"It was nothing too strenuous but it has pulled up alright."

Thurston was initially ruled out for six weeks after watching Queensland clinch a sixth straight Origin series while sitting in a wheelchair.

That put him on target for a comeback against South Sydney on August 19.

But Thurston said on Thursday he was the best judge of his body and only he would know when to return.

"It was pretty severe bone bruising that I had, that's what is causing most of the pain," he said.

"If I look to push it and it starts hurting I will have to step back.

"When I start to intensify training sessions I will have a better idea of where it is at."

But asked if he was a chance of returning a week earlier than expected against the Broncos in Townsville, Thurston said: "I don't know.

"I won't know until I start picking up the running, try and get top speed, and stepping and stuff.

"It has healed pretty well. It's making progress and I am looking forward to the next couple of weeks of running."

Easing Thurston's pain is the fact the Cowboys have taken steps to ditching their "one man team" tag.

North Queensland (12-6 record) have won two from three since Thurston went down, keeping them on track for a top four finish.

They host Penrith on Saturday night.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP