Johnathan Thurston reveals surprise award he rates alongside his four Dally M Medals

IT is not a Dally M, a Clive Churchill Medal or a Golden Boot – but it is one of the most important awards Johnathan Thurston has ever won.

IT is not a Dally M, a Clive Churchill Medal or a Golden Boot – but it is one of the most important awards Johnathan Thurston has ever won.

On the eve of his last ever game, the future Immortal has revealed a World Cup semi-final man-of-the-match medal rates alongside his four Dally M’s his most prized rugby league possession.

“That one is very special to me,’’ Thurston said.

“I was awarded man-of-the-match after we won the World Cup semi final in 2008 against Fiji. It is so special to me because I was able to put in one of my best performances just a few days after my Uncle Richard was murdered.’’

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Johnathan Thurston rates the 2008 World Cup semi-final man-of-the-match performance as on of his top awards.

Thurston this week took the Daily Telegraph on an exclusive tour of his Townsville trophy room and spoke about the murder that left him heart broken on the eve of his World Cup semi final appearance against Fiji.

Thurston’s uncle - Richard Saunders - was bashed to death in a Brisbane park by up to eight men in a senseless attack in 2011.

“I still can’t understand what provoked that sort of violence,’’ Thurston said.

“I am still stunned by what happen as much as I was when I found out. I decided to play in that game even though I was in a very bad way as both a dedication to him and to my family, who were going through such a hard time.

Thurston was enormous in the win over Fiji. Picture: Greg WOOD

“To be able to perform like I did in that game and win that award is why it is one of my most important awards.’’

Thurston’s personal rugby league treasure trove includes two premiership rings, four Dally M’s, a Clive Churchill Medal, three Golden Boots and a Wally Lewis medal.

The Cowboys legend will retire from rugby leagueon Saturday night following his NRL finale against the Titans at the Gold Coast.

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Originally published as Johnathan Thurston reveals surprise award he rates alongside his four Dally M Medals