Champion footy star Johnathan Thurston was given a fitting farewell before his final NRL game as his teammates took to the field wearing his signature headgear on Saturday night.
Thurston fought back tears after the surprise tribute prior to the North Queensland Cowboys’ 30-26 win over the Gold Coast Titans on Saturday – which also featured an appearance from ex-teammate Cameron Smith.
Each member of the Cowboys team ran onto the field wearing Thurston’s iconic yellow and blue headgear, as the halfback made his final walk-out accompanied by his children.
Thurston helped his side close out a 30-26 victory in his final game – as the Cowboys overturned a 12 point half-time defecit to beat Gold Coast in round 25 on Saturday night
Jonathan Thurston (left) was given a surprise tribute in his final NRL game, with a special appearance from former teammate and friend Cameron Smith, as his Cowboys teammates took to the field behind him all wearing his signature headgear
A special round of applause seven minutes into the game was also held by the crowd, matching Thurston’s squad number, for the departing footy star.
Smith had flown to the Gold Coast to be part of the guard of honour having played in a bruising encounter against the Penrith Panthers the night before in Melbourne.
Smith, who played with Thurston at both state and representative level, embraced his teammate before sharing a few words.
Smith and Thurston have shared a special bond together since coming up the ranks together in Queensland and have scored the second and third-most points in NRL history respectively.
Speaking after the Cowboys’ victory, which he helped close out with the last tackle of the game, Thurston thanked the sport for spurring him to success.
‘It’s been a pleasure, I’m happy and I’m thankful for everything the game has given me in my career,’ he said.
The footy star could be seen fighting back tears as he was greeted by the special tribute from his team and his friends and family when he walked out for his final NRL game
NRL legend Thurston took to the field on Saturday night for the final game of his 17-year career to a packed house at Cbus Super Stadium
Smith (left) and Thurston (right) embraced and shared a few word before the Cowboys’ final game of the season against the Titans on Friday night
‘I’m in a privileged position to play this game week in, week out for 17 years.
‘I know my place in the community and I’m trying to make a difference and the world a better place.’
Thurston also said the fact his side weren’t appearing in the finals this season made it easier to prepare for his final game.
The Cowboys turned around a 12 point half-time deficit to beat Gold Coast in their final game.
Fans at the game between the Titans and Cowboys on Saturday night paid tribute to the Queensland and Kangaroos legend