Cowboys coach Paul Green has named club stalwart Ray Thompson to replace Johnathan Thurston in the Cowboys only change ahead of Saturday's highly anticipated clash with Melbourne Storm.

Reports say Thurston's hamstring complaint will sideline him for two weeks, but the club has not given a definitive timeline for his return.

The 33‑year‑old has been provided some time off to start the week and will be assessed closer to game day.

The Cowboys will play the Storm at 9.30pm Saturday.

Source: nrl.com