Johnathan Thurston calls for referendum on national anthem amid NSW players’ boycott plans

Two NSW players will boycott singing the national anthem at the State of Origin opener and, while Queensland legend Johnathan Thurston wouldn’t have joined them if he was playing, he feels it’s time for the people to have their say on its future.

The Maroons sing the national anthem before game three of the ARL State of Origin series in 2013. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

MAROONS legend Johnathan Thurston would not have joined the national anthem boycott at Suncorp Stadium next week but feels it’s time for a referendum on its future.

NSW backs Cody Walker and Josh Addo-Carr will boycott singing Advance Australia Fair in the first State of Origin match at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday, feeling it does not represent Australia’s indigenous heritage.

Thurston has applauded the courage of both men.

The Maroons sing the national anthem before game three of the ARL State of Origin series in 2013. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

“I commend Cody and Josh for doing something they strongly believe in,’’ Thurston told The Courier-Mail.

“It is creating a conversation about it in the wider community about the anthem and how some first nation people feel it does not represent them. Cody has stated that.’’

Two NSW players will boycott singing the national anthem on Wednesday night. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

Thurston said he sang the anthem for family reasons but it was “definitely’’ time for a referendum on whether Australia needs a more inclusive anthem.

“My view is my family members have fought wars under the flag and the anthem so I always sung it.’’

Asked whether he would have sung the anthem next week had he still be playing, Thurston said “It is a tough one but I would still sing it because I was very proud of my family’s military history. But in saying that I think it’s great they have taken a stance.

“I also think Australia needs to be educated about its history. We have come a long way from where we were but we have a long way to go. Australians needs to be educated what our culture has endured since colonisation.”

Johnathan thurston says it’s time for a referendum on the national anthem. Picture: AAP Image/Joe Castro

Indigenous Queensland winger Dane Gagai agreed it was time for a debate.

“Someone has to make the decision whether it changes,’’ Gagai said. “I guess the anthem came at a time when indigenous people were not looked upon well.’’

When asked whether he planned to sing, Gagai said: “For me, I just tend to sit there and look at my family. I guess it is just one of those things.’’

Former Maroon centre now assistant Queensland coach Justin Hodges said he always sang the anthem but has no issue with Blues stars not singing.