Johnathan Thurston: What we’ll miss most about JT

FROM Cape York to Coolangatta, you would be hard-pressed to find a Queenslander who is not a JT fan today.

FROM Cape York to Coolangatta, you would be hard-pressed to find a Queenslander who is not a JT fan today.

Millions of people across the country have been entertained, gobsmacked and left heartbroken by the feats of Johnathan Thurston over more than a decade and tonight will be the final time fans will get to witness it.

Hundreds of supporters have bid their farewells to the champion player through personal messages of thanks and support, with many online ­describing today as “a sad day for rugby league”.

“It is sad to see him go,” supporter Julie Powell said.

“He’s one of the true characters of the game and not to mention the number of times he’s been there to help Queensland win.

JT fans (clockwise from back left) Jared Rogers, 14, Christopher Matthews, Julie Powell, Cathy Webber and Thelma Gill. Picture: Annette Dew

“There are so many amazing highlights of his, but seeing him wheeled out on to Suncorp in a wheelchair (during State of Origin Game 3, 2011 to farewell Darren Lockyer) shows what a true legend he is.”

Rebecca Webber and her kids Maddison , 4, and Brooklyn, 2, are huge JT fans. Behind them are Cheryl Dangerfield ,Thelma Gill, Dot Matthews, Jared Rogers, 14, Christopher Matthews, Rob and Cathy Webber and Julie Powell. Picture: Annette Dew

Thurston’s contribution to grassroots footy, indigenous communities and charities across the country has earnt him a legion of fans like no player before him.

And as the final buzzer for tonight’s North Queensland Cowboys and Gold Coast Titans game sounds, there will inevitably be a few tears shed by his longtime faithful fans.

Originally published as Johnathan Thurston: What we’ll miss most about JT