Johnathan Thurston will forever be remembered as one of the greatest league players of our time, but for him, being named a recipient of the Order of Australia during the 2019 Queen’s Birthday Honour’s List will remain one of his greatest achievements.
Speaking with Townsville Bulletin journalist Kate Banville, Thurston said the award for his services to rugby league and as a role model through the JTAcademy was a huge honour.
“I now understand the impact that rugby league has and I started having that impact on people, especially young kids, and I don’t take that for granted,” Thurston told Banville.
“Especially with the indigenous kids and being a role model to them, I really try to show them that they can do anything; my focus is on education and getting kids educated because that can open up their future.”
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