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Live blog: Rugby league legend Johnathan Thurston’s last game in the NRL
IT’S over. Johnathan Thurston’s career has ended with one final classic performance. Re-live the brilliance from the win over the Titans right here.
JOHNATHAN Thurston’s career is over.
The greatest player in North Queensland history, one of the greatest players ever, has hung up the boots after a 30-26 win over the Titans. After 17 years and countless magical moments, Thurston saved some of his best for last, setting up one last try to Gavin Cooper to put the Cowboys into the lead for the first time. “Knowing that this was the last game, it was a bit easier to prepare. If I was playing finals you wouldn’t know,” Thurston said after the match. ONE MORE TIME: Thurston retires on another classic win “I’m in a privileged position where I get to do a job that I love, and I’m proud of what I achieved on the field but even more so of it. “It’s been a pleasure. I’m happy that it happened. I’ve enjoyed every moment of it. I can’t thank the game of rugby league enough for the life it’s given me.” Thurston nominated the 2015 grand final as the on-field highlight of his career and stressed several times how proud he was of his work in the community off the field. With the majority of the 26,681 crowd staying around long after the fulltime siren, Thurston thanks his wife, family and teammates in an emotional farewell speech. “To the fans, it’s been a very overwhelming and humbling experience over the last few months. “I’d like to thank the fans for watching me throughout the years. it’s been a pleasure to wear the Cowboys jersey and represent the region. “Thanks to everyone for their support over the years. It’s been a pleasure to play and perform in front of you.”
Originally published as Live blog: Rugby league legend Johnathan Thurston’s last game in the NRL