How Toowoomba changed an NRL superstar

NRL legend Johnathan Thurston turned his life around in Toowoomba.

LEGEND RETIRES: North Queensland Cowboys half Johnathan Thurston waves goodbye following his final NRL match against the Gold Coast Titans. Thurston said his time as a teenager in Toowoomba turned his life around. Picture: DAVE HUNT

RUGBY LEAGUE: He's an NRL, Queensland and Australian star. A Daly M Medal winner, future Immortal and one of the game's greatest players.

Things could've been a lot different for Johnathan Thurston though.

Speaking to The Chronicle earlier this week, Thurston said his move to Toowoomba as a teenager changed his life.

"I have some great memories of Toowoomba,” Thurston said.

"It is where I turned my life around.

"It's a big part of my journey, a big part of my life.

"Before that my schooling wasn't great, my footy wasn't great, things were just bad.

"Going to school at St Mary's and playing footy up there was a great opportunity.

"I built some great relationships and friendships I still have to this day.”

Toowoomba was also the launching pad for Thurston's NRL career, with the young half making his debut for Canterbury in 2002.

After three seasons with the Bulldogs, including a 2004 premiership, Thurston joined the North Queensland Cowboys in 2005.

Playing nearly 300 NRL games for the Cowboys, Thurston co-captained their 2015 premiership winning side before retiring this season.

The Cowboys finished a disappointing 13th this season, but Thurston finishes the game with many special memories.

"This year wasn't great for us (the Cowboys),” Thurston said.

"Missing the finals is pretty tough, but football has given me so much, memories I'll never forget.

"And the respect from opposing teams and the fans this season has been amazing.

"It's been overwhelming at times and a very humbling experience.”

Excited about not waking up sore and tired from the demands of the NRL, Thurston is now turning his attention to a national speaking tour.

"I'm grateful for the opportunity to visit different communities around Australia,” Thurston said.

"It's humbling to know that people want to come and hear me speak, to share my thoughts about key moments in my career and my journey.”

Thurston is also looking forward to family life - with a fourth child on the way.

"I'm excited about what's to come for me and my family,” he said.

"You miss out on a lot as a footballer - first words, steps, birthdays - I'm looking forward to more family time.”

Originally published as How Toowoomba changed an NRL superstar