Johnathan Thurston leads indigenous tribute at Rugby League World Cup

SIDELINED star Johnathan Thurston left his mark on Australia’s Rugby League World Cup campaign by leading a historic pre-game ceremony in Melbourne.

Johnathan Thurston and Australia line up for the pre-game ceremony.

JOHNATHAN Thurston was missing from the Kangaroos but the Test veteran left his mark on Australia’s Rugby League World Cup campaign by leading a historic pre-game ceremony in Melbourne.

Thurston was out on AAMI Park before kick-off in the opening match against England as the Australians performed an “acknowledgement of country”.

The Kangaroos locked arms and formed a circle with skipper Cameron Smith in the centre, with the England players lined up in their half of the field.

With a didgeridoo playing, Smith said: “We, the Kangaroos, acknowledge and pay respect to our traditional owners. We welcome all nations to our country for this World Cup, and we will rise as one”.

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Johnathan Thurston and Australia line up for the pre-game ceremony.

Australian players link arms during the pre-game ceremony.

Australian and England players line up during the pre-game ceremony.

Cameron Smith and the Kangaroos during the pre-game ceremony.

As the Australian team rose together to stand in the shape of a boomerang, Thurston spoke: “Like the coat of arms on our heart ... we will be selfless and with the chevron on our chest, we will be selfless in victory.

“We are from different backgrounds but we strive for excellence and will rise united.”

Thurston was forced into premature representative retirement due to shoulder injury.

Copper Cronk shakes hands with Johnathan Thurston ahead of the game.

The Kangaroos and England enter the stadium during the opening ceremony.

The idea for the acknowledgment came after his discussions with coach Mal Meninga this year, to celebrate the 50-year anniversary of the Kangaroos’ last war cry on a 1967 tour in Europe.

The indigenous North Queensland Cowboys superstar wrote the words that accompanied the team’s actions.

There were three Kangaroos with indigenous heritage in line-up to face England in Dane Gagai, Will Chambers and Wade Graham.

Originally published as Johnathan Thurston leads indigenous tribute at Rugby League World Cup