NORTH QUEENSLAND captain Johnathan Thurston admitted he'd visited a sports psychologist to get his head right before his incredible comeback on Friday night.

Thurston wasn't expected to return from two shoulder reconstructions until round five, and was only cleared for full contact training during the week.

However, the two-time Dally M winner completed a remarkable return four weeks early when he led out the Cowboys against the Titans at Skilled Park on the Gold Coast.

"[I was] very nervous coming back from two shoulder reconstructions, and there's also a bit of doubt in your mind," he said. "I did some work with a sport psychologist over the last few weeks and got my head right. [I've] beaten those demons, I think."

Cowboys coach Graham Murray didn't have to wait long for Thurston's shoulders to be tested - he was involved in the first tackle of the match.

"Muz said not to hide on the wing there for the first set … and once I got the first tackle, my shoulders pretty much went out the back [of my mind] and I was ready to go," said Thurston, who scored two tries and kicked three goals in the 36-18 loss.

"He's as strong as he's been," said Murray. "He's stronger than he was last year so the basic principle was his confidence."