Indigenous All Stars showdown more than a game for flood-affected Wujal Wujal teenagers

A call from Cowboys legend Johnathan Thurston has sparked a national appeal, with the NRL jumping on board to help flood victims recover from last year’s national disaster.

Nellie Sailor of Coen, along with Wujal Wujal teenagers Jeniqua Darkan and Jalearah Nunn will be at the Indigenous All Stars game in Townsville on Friday.

A brief chat was all it took to prompt Cowboys legend Johnathan Thurston into action, setting in chain a sequence of events that led to a national fundraiser for flood victims in the Bloomfield River region.

It all started when Thurston took a call from Yarrabah mayor Ross Andrews recently, who shared with him the struggles Wujal Wujal residents had experienced since being evacuated from their community just days before Christmas.

Johnathan Thurston, pictured setting up a try for winger Antonio Winterstein at Barlow Park, says Far North Queensland and Cape York hold a special place in his heart. Image: Marc McCormack

With around 50 community members still living 170km from home in Cairns, Mayor Andrews said he needed to call in a favour from the 2015 premiership captain.

If ‘JT’ could come up with the tickets to Friday night’s All Stars game, he promised to provide buses to get the community to-and-from the big match.

Just like in his playing career, the four-time Dally M winner brought his teammates into the game.

Landslides run for hundreds of metres down cliff faces and into the ocean on the Bloomfield Track between Wujal Wujal and Cape Tribulation.

“It’s not just me,” the premiership star said sheepishly. “When they reached out to me … I got in touch with the NRL and that just got the ball rolling.”

In the end, 125 tickets were donated with an Aussie not-for-profit, broadcasters and rugby league now set to throw their arms around Far North flood victims in the Bloomfield River region.

Johnathan Thurston with young members of the Johnathan Thurston Academy, Isaiah Yam, Chanteira David and Hamish Gilbert. Image: Anna Rogers

The call has sparked a national appeal, with the NRL partnering with GIVIT who will provide essential items for residents living in temporary housing and when they return to country and re-fit their homes.

GIVIT will also assist with identifying the immediate and urgent support needs with 100 per cent of donations received via the NRL appeal directed to residents in the Bloomfield River region.

Wujal Wujal mayor Bradley Creek said he will always being grateful to Cowboys legend Johnathan Thurston for donating 50 tickets to Friday's Indigenous All Stars game to residents of his disaster-stricken community.

The future Immortal said hearing and seeing the struggles communities have experienced since ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper and the record flood event had left him heartbroken.

“There are a lot of families that have lost homes and are living in temporary accommodation,” Mr Thurston said.

“The rugby league community comes together in disasters. That’s what we do in North Queensland and it happens every year.

“Hopefully the kids seeing some of their heroes can just give them something to smile about.”

Asked why he felt so passionately about giving back, Mr Thurston, who famously urged Aurukun children to return to school after a State of Origin clash, said Cape York communities had embraced him throughout his career and since his retirement in 2018.

“My culture is deeply embedded into my upbringing,” he said.

“I want to help the next generation of our culture and your youth and those communities hold a special place in my heart.

“I don’t take it for granted and want to boost their confidence and courage and self belief.”

The remains of the Bana Yirriji Art and Cultural Centre and cafe at Wujal Wujal after the flood that peaked on December 17. Picture: Bronwyn Farr

Wujal Wujal teenagers Jeniqua Darkan and close mate Jalearah Nunn’s eyes’ beamed with excitement at the thought of attending the showdown between Maori and Australian Indigenous squads.

The Cairns-based boarding students, who were already attending as an academic reward, said they were thrilled to learn the community could enjoy the match together after fleeing home in December.

“We’re looking forward to watching the game,” Ms Darkan, a mad Cowboys fan, said.

“Cairns is bigger than back home. It’s sad being away (from Wujal Wujal) but we’re here for school and the facilities (at our boarding house) and pool are fun.”

Included in Wujal Wujal residents’ All Stars game day experience is meeting Queensland and Indigenous icons, Greg Inglis and Johnathan Thurston.

Foxtel and Channel 9 will also promote the appeal throughout their broadcast’s of the game.

To find out more, visit GIVIT’s website.

Originally published as Indigenous All Stars showdown more than a game for flood-affected Wujal Wujal teenagers