JT’s selfless attitude shines as end nears

IT’S the kind of answer that sums up Johnathan Thurston’s selflessness as much as anything else in his 16-year NRL career.

As much as every kicking tee handed back to the ball boy, every headgear handed to a fan and every autograph he signed for the hundreds who hung back an hour after fulltime on Saturday night in Cronulla. frontline due to concerns about an ongoing ankle injury, Ponga made four errors but set up a crucial first-half try in the Knights’ 20-12 upset of Penrith.

It was enough for Brown to yearn for more in next week’s match against Cronulla.

Perhaps even as much as every bottle and piece of rubbish he picked up in North Queensland’s sheds while injured during last year’s run to the grand final. Because with two games to play in his illustrious career and just one match left in Townsville on Friday night against Parramatta, this week is going to be all about the No.7 they call JT.

Except for the man himself, who said he had to keep his emotions in check when asked

“He’ll probably stay there again next week. We’ll see how his ankle pulls up,” Brown said. “He’s a good footy player so I’m not sure it really matters where we put him or who coaches him or what club he plays for, he’s going to play good.” on Saturday night, partly for the sake of long-time teammate Matt Scott, who will also play his 250th NRL game on Friday night.

“I’m obviously experienced enough to keep a lid on it with the playing group,” Thurston said. “I think Matty Scott’s 250th is coming up too so it’s important as a team we prepare well and give ourselves every chance of winning the game.

“I’m experienced enough to do my bit for the team.”

A possible long-term move to the No.6 for Ponga could create a selection headache for Brown, who has partnered Connor Watson with Mitchell Pearce for most of the season. Watson has missed the past month with a groin injury but

For the rest of the team though, Thurston’s farewell takes just as much – and probably more – of centre stage.

The greatest player to have graced the fields of North Queensland, Thurston’s farewell tour has been spoken about for months and he’s been honoured at every turn.

On Saturday night he was gifted Aboriginal artwork and memorabilia by the Sharks after the Cowboys 28-16 loss in his last NRL game in Sydney. is likely to be available to take on the Sharks on Sunday.

Brown said it is up to Ponga where he wants to play.

“Him and Connor are both good at five-eighth and fullback so it’s more of a question for Kalyn than for me,” he said.

And coach Paul Green said it was vital that result was reversed next week.

“If we go forward a week and we’re sitting there after the game the emotion is going to be there and all that sort of stuff but if we haven’t got the result we want it’s not going to feel real good,” he said.

“So while all that stuff is going on it’s important we give JT the honour he deserves given what he’s done in the game.”