As a player his resume is unrivalled at the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys, now Johnathan Thurston returns to the club to begin another chapter – coaching.
Thurston has joined the Cowboys coaching staff as a consultant with a focus on mentoring the club’s halves in an on and off field capacity.
The Cowboys premiership winner, Life Member and recently inducted Hall of Fame member, will attend training throughout the pre-season training block.
It marks Thurston’s first official role with the Cowboys NRL squad since calling time on his playing career following the 2018 season.
The now 38-year-old holds the club’s all-time appearance (294) and point scoring (2182) records among countless others courtesy of a legendary 14-year career in North Queensland. As a Cowboy, Thurston won four Dally M Medals, three Golden Boots, four Paul Bowman Medals and claimed the Clive Churchill Medal as he captained the club to its historic maiden premiership.
“JT is one of the greatest players our game has ever seen, to have him back in a hands-on coaching capacity is a huge coup for our club,” Cowboys Head Coach Todd Payten said.
“His main brief will be to work closely with our halves to develop their games, but our entire squad will benefit from having him back at training and inside our building.”
Thurston said he was eager to begin the role.
“I’m extremely excited to be back, this club obviously holds a special place in my heart,” Thurston said.
“I was lucky enough to receive a taste of coaching with the Maroons for this year’s Origin series and really enjoyed it.
“I think we have some serious talent in the halves here at the Cowboys and I look forward to helping those guys refine their game over the pre-season.”
