Revealed: The 2019 NRL premiership diamond ring designed by Johnathan Thurston 

NRL legend Johnathan Thurston — the first player to lend his touch to an NRL Premiers diamond ring — has unveiled the final piece revealing the indigenous artwork that inspired the design and the story behind it. SEE DETAILED PICTURES

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An indigenous artwork is the inspiration behind the Johnathan Thurston designed 2019 NRL Premiers diamond ring.

Thurston is the first player to have put his touch on the grand final ring that will be gifted to every member of the Premiership winning team after Sunday’s showdown between the Sydney Roosters and the Canberra Raiders.

“This year, we chose to integrate a piece of home into the ring design as a sign of respect and acknowledgment to my home the Gungarri,” Thurston explained.

“Through the language of art, together we were able to share a piece of my families indigenous roots with you all. The story begins with the big circle, as a representation of our home, the Gungarri Tribe.”

Johnathan Thurston shows off the NRL premiership ring.

Thurston created the ring in collaboration with Sydney’s Affinity Diamonds founder Sam Rahme and based the design on an original painting by Wayne Martin of Nguram-Bang Aboriginal Art.

Gold for the ring was sourced from Evolution Mining, which is based on the land of the Wulli Wulli people, near Cracow in Queensland.

The NRL and Evolution Mining will gift the local indigenous population an equivalent amount to the value of the gold sourced from the land.

Thurston, who will also gift a ring to the Wulli Wulli and Gungarri communities, explains the meanings behind the art in a letter that will be given to each recipient.

“Surrounding the edge of the circle is a horse shoe symbol which represents the Gungarri Families sitting on country, maintaining and nurturing our strong connection with our culture, land, flora and fauna,” he wrote.

“Following this is a distinct line that sits inside the Emu — this line embodies the Maranoa River which runs through Gungarri Country. Surrounding the line are dots which also sit within the Emu.

The design was inspired by an original painting by Wayne Martin of Nguram-Bang Aboriginal Art.

“These dots stand for the families living along the river, sharing their camp with one another, fishing and telling stories that have great connection with country. The Emu on the forefront of the design, symbolises our ancestors, our totem and our protector.

“The Emu’s foot prints paved around the big circles elevates to your ancestors spirit which travels with our families, protecting us all through our journey of life. Through and through, this ring is a powerful icon of the indigenous roots that form the foundation of Australia today. We are humbled and proud to be able to share this piece of us with you all.”

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Each white gold ring is valued at $10,000 and is months in the making with Thurston having begun his designs earlier this year.

The rings feature two carat’s of both black and white diamonds that number 150 in total on each piece.

While Thurston is the only footballer to have worked on a Premiership ring, the NRL worked with Fox Sports presenters Yvonne Sampson and Lara Pitt for a women’s inspired ring.

Thurston is the first player to put his touch on an NRL premiership ring.

Each white gold ring is valued at $10,000 and is months in the making.

Gold for the ring was sourced from the land of the Wulli Wulli people.

Thurston will gift a ring to the Wulli Wulli and Gungarri communities.

Originally published as Revealed: The 2019 NRL premiership diamond ring designed by Johnathan Thurston