Johnathan Thurston

Johnathan Thurston is one of rugby league's 'greats', becoming the first ever, four-time Dally M Medallist in 2015, a season in which he led the North Queensland Cowboys to a maiden NRL title, and won the Clive Churchill Medal as player of the match in the extra-time, grand final win over the Brisbane Broncos.

Later that year, he became the first ever three-time winner of the Golden Boot Award as International Player of the Year. His football career began in backyard games in Brisbane, and he succeeded at the top level, despite being repeatedly told he was too small, or too slow, for the demands of the game.

Thurston played junior rugby league for Souths Sunnybank in Brisbane, and attended Salisbury State and Nyanda State High Schools, before completing his schooling at St Mary's in Toowoomba, a college rich in league tradition.

The talented playmaker was signed by Canterbury-Bankstown from St Mary's, and made his NRL debut for the Bulldogs in 2002, and went on to make seven appearances for the club that season.

He played a further 22 games for the Bulldogs over the next two seasons, including the 2004 NRL grand final, when he came off the bench in the 16-13 win over the Roosters. Thurston famously gifted his premiership ring to skipper Steve Price, who missed the game through injury. 

Thurston signed with North Queensland in 2005 and made his Origin debut in Game I of that year's series. He went on to play 37 matches for the Maroons, including a record 36 in a row. He featured in 11 series wins.

Thurston remains the highest points scorer in the history of Origin, with 220 points to his name, from five tries, 99 goals and two field goals. 

Thurston’s crowning glory at club level came in 2015, when he led the Cowboys to their first ever NRL premiership, with a 17-16 victory over the Broncos. True to his greatness, Thurston iced the game, kicking a field goal in golden point extra time.

The Cowboys, formed in 1995, had featured in the 2005 grand final against Wests Tigers, when Travis Norton was North Queensland skipper and Thurston was halfback, up against a former Cowboy, Scott Prince.

The Tigers won 30-16, with Prince the Clive Churchill Medal winner.

After 323 first grade appearances - a record 294 for the Cowboys - Thurston retired from the game in 2018, but the Cowboys were unable to stage a fairytale finish, missing out on the finals for the first time in eight seasons. But wherever the Cowboys played in 2018, the fans turned up to say farewell to the man known as 'JT', setting ground records along the way.

Thurston scored a record 2182 points for the club from 80 tries; 923 goals and 16 field goals. His points tally of 234 in 2014, remains a club record.

He won the Cowboys' Player of the Year award three times. His combination with Cowboys' fullback, Matt Bowen is the stuff of legend. Bowen was a large part of the reason Thurston joined the Cowboys.

Thurston finished his career with 38 Tests for the Kangaroos, as well as his 37 Origin appearances. He played in two World Cups, including Australia's victorious campaign in 2013.

I have created a lot of good memories in this jersey, so when I retire I will look proudly back at it.

Johnathan Thurston FOG #148

His tally of 382 points in those 38 Tests, is a record for an Australian player. Thurston also played six times for the Indigenous All Stars, and in 2018 was named Queensland's Australian of the Year, for the work he did off the field, as well as on the field.

He continues to use his extraordinary sports profile to do good, championing Indigenous causes and taking on ambassadorial roles for worthy organisations.

JT is managing director of the Johnathan Thurston Academy, which encourages young people to lead their best lives and enjoy success in education, sport and employment.

Thurston is North Queensland Cowboys' mentor and ambassador. He also has blossomed as a media commentator and analyst, and continues to call Townsville home.