Johnathan Thurston

Johnathan Thurston's Biography

Johnathan Thurston is a strong positive influence and role model, as demonstrated by his long list of accolades, including 2018 Australian Humanitarian of the Year.

It is critical to note that Johnathan’s well-published messages are spoken directly from his sincere passion of our nation’s youth and his Indigenous culture. In doing so, this organically creates an experience that fosters group cohesion, community, shared responsibility, and a greater sense of self-belief and identity.

After retiring from a rewarding rugby league career, He now has the opportunity to focus on projects he is passionate about which encourage young Australians to lead their best lives and enjoy success in education, sport and employment.

Through his academy he aims to be a leading national provider of outstanding employment initiatives and training programs aimed at health, wellbeing, sport and education across Australia. The academy’s key strength is developing and delivering high quality programs to individuals, equipping them with the right skills, knowledge and attributes to make significant and positive future impact.

Through strong education, community and industry partnerships he are committed to supporting individuals to reach personal, educational and career goals.

He sees his work as a way of reaching out to disadvantaged communities and youth and offering them ways forward to help them achieve and enjoy success whatever that may look like for each of them.

He is contracted to the North Queensland Cowboys as a mentor and ambassador. and continues to partner with Channel Nine where he commentates and offer expert insight into the game.

He also continues to be an Ambassador for the Queensland Reconciliation Awards and for the Apunipima Cape York Health Council’s anti-ice campaign. Jonathan is a much loved fantastic option for your next event.

NRL

323 Games (29 Bulldogs, 294 Cowboys)

178 Wins (20 Bulldogs, 158 Cowboys)

90 Tries (10 Bulldogs, 80 Cowboys)

923 Goals (third‑most all‑time)

2222 Points (third‑most all‑time) Premierships

(Bulldogs 2004, Cowboys 2015)

The Deadlys Indigenous NRL Player of the Year Award 2013

Preston Campbell Medal (2010, 2017)

RLPA Player’s Champion Award (2005, 2013, 2014, 2015)

Arthur Beetson Medal (2017)

Provan‑Summons Medal (2014, 2015)

Clive Churchill Medal (2015)

Dally M Medal (2005, 2007, 2014, 2015)

STATE OF ORIGIN

37 Games (24 wins, 5 tries)

99 Goals (most all‑time)

220 Points (most all‑time) Wally Lewis Medal (2008)

Peter Jackson Memorial Trophy (2012, 2017)

TESTS

38 Games (35 wins, 13 tries)

165 Goals (most for Australia)

382 Points (most for Australia)

Harry Sunderland Medal (2013)