North Queensland Cowboys fans packed out 1300 Smiles Stadium to farewell Johnathan Thurston
JOHNATHAN Thurston gave a sellout crowd plenty to cheer about in his last NRL game in Townsville.
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JOHNATHAN Thurston gave a sellout crowd plenty to cheer about in his last NRL game in Townsville.
In front of 25,000 screaming fans at 1300 Smiles Stadium last night the North Queensland Cowboys sent their favourite son off with a barnstorming 44-6 win.
The crowd began lining up hours after before kick-off and stood in applause as Thurston took to the field with his daughters Frankie and Charlie.
After the final siren Thurston’s adoring fans farewelled their champion as he lapped the field to thank his supporters.
The Holliday family travelled from the Gold Coast for the occasion.
Taylor Holliday may be the family’s most dedicated JT fan.
For years she has sported a smaller version of Thurston’s famous wings tattoo.
“I just love his determination,” Ms Holliday said.
“Dad is from Mackay so he started us supporting the Cowboys but when we saw Thurston play we were hooked.”
Some of JT’s biggest supporters at 1300 Smiles Stadium were also the smallest.
Youngsters Dean Giardina and Cooper Sitcher travelled from Tully to farewell their idol.
The boys had only one word to describe Johnathan Thurston’s retirement — “sad” — as both said they loved watching him play.
“I like it when he kicks the conversions,” Dean said.
“He is an absolute superstar,” Cooper said.
Self-confessed Cowboys stalker Jessica Roncal said she had been cheering for Thurston since he first arrived at the club 15 years ago.
“I am a massive fan, I’m probably like a stalker,” she said.
“I’m at all the games and watch all the boys when they come walking in each week … I have millions of photos of them.
“I wish JT would not retire but I guess all things must come to an end.”
There were some rare Parramatta Eels fans visible in the crowd looking to spoil the party.
Michael Jackson is a staunch Eels fan but fortunately for his wife, die-hard Cowboys supporter Kylie, the hometown boys got the job done.
“Who knew the king of pop was a Parramatta Eels fan,” Kylie joked.
“He was a Paramatta fan before I met him. I guess I just felt sorry for him.”
The plethora of points the Cowboys piled on meant plenty of work for the North Queensland cheerleaders.
Georgia Wall and Kodee Clifford said people always cheered hardest for JT.
“It’s really exciting to be part of this big event and cheering JT on in his last game in Townsville,” Ms Clifford said.
“When they call the players’ names over the speaker system the crowd is always a lot louder for him.”
Originally published as North Queensland Cowboys fans packed out 1300 Smiles Stadium to farewell Johnathan Thurston