Johnathan Thurston

Born on April 25, 1983, Johnathan Dean Thurston is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer who had a successful career in the National Rugby League (NRL). Thurston represented Australia, Queensland State of Origin, and the Indigenous All Stars during his time in the NRL. He began his career with the Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs, winning the NRL premiership in 2004. In 2005, he joined the North Queensland Cowboys and played in the grand final that year. Thurston made his debut for Queensland in 2005 and for Australia in 2006. He received numerous accolades, including the 2008 Wally Lewis medal and being named as the halfback of the Australian Aboriginal team of the century in 2008. Since 2021, Thurston has been serving as an assistant coach for the Queensland rugby league team.