The 10 magical moments that defined Johnathan Thurston’s career
AS he prepares to take the field for the final time, here’s the 10 moments that defined the legendary career of Queensland hero Johnathan Thurston.
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AS he prepares to take the field for the final time, here’s the 10 moments that defined the legendary career of Queensland hero Johnathan Thurston.
1. NRL Grand Final, October 4, 2015
The crowning moment of Thurston’s career. With scores locked at 16-all at full-time against the Broncos, the decider hurtles into golden point. In the 83rd minute, Thurston steps up, snapping the one-pointer that breaks the Cowboys’ 20-year premiership hoodoo.
2. Tri-Nations final, November 25, 2006
The first significant play of Thurston’s Test career. The Tri-Nations decider against New Zealand finishes at 12-all. Extra-time is called. In the 87th minute, Thurston takes the ball 35 metres out from his line and produces his famous show-and-go. He bursts clear then releases Darren Lockyer for the match-winner.
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3. State of Origin III, July 6, 2011
How can we forget the wheelchair moment. In Darren Lockyer’s Queensland farewell, Thurston carves up in the first half to inspire a 24-0 lead. He goes off injured in the second half but is later pushed onto Suncorp in wheelchair as Maroons teammate rush to embrace him.
4. State of Origin III, July 2, 2008
Thurston wins the series. At 10-all with 14 minutes left, Thurston sees tired NSW forwards and ghosts to the short side. He slips through and finds Billy Slater for the match-winner. It caps a fine campaign for Thurston, who earns the Wally Lewis Medal for player of the series.
5. State of Origin II, June 21, 2017
The ultimate warrior. Thurston injured his damaged shoulder in the first half but plays on. When Dane Gagai crosses to level scores at 16-all in the 77th minute, a busted Thurston lands a booming sideline conversion to keep the series alive. The Maroons go on to win the decider.
6. Cowboys v Storm, March 30, 2015
Facing a fourth straight loss to start the new season, Thurston saves the Cowboys. His field goal with 40 seconds left sends the match into extra-time, then he nails another one-pointer to snatch an 18-17 victory, igniting an 11-game winning streak.
7. Cowboys v Broncos, September 16, 2016
Thurston breaks the Broncos’ hearts again. In a derby finals thriller, Thurston sets-up the extra-time match winner, producing a sublime flick pass for Michael Morgan to end Brisbane’s season.
8. State of Origin III, July 5, 2006
The Maroons are facing their fourth straight series defeat when Thurston does it again. His show-and-go puts Brent Tate over to keep the Maroons alive at 14-10 before Darren Lockyer snatches a famous triumph to launch the record-breaking juggernaut.
9. Cowboys v Eels, September 25, 2005
The NRL grand-final qualifier. In his maiden season in Townsville, Thurston stars, even kicking a left-footed field goal to hammer the Eels 29-0 and clinch the club’s first grand-final appearance.
10. NRL Grand Final, October 3, 2004
At just 21, Thurston wins his first grand final in Canterbury’s defeat of the Roosters. Underlining his team-first attitude, he gives his premiership ring to injured skipper Steve Price.
Originally published as The 10 magical moments that defined Johnathan Thurston’s career