Thurston’s new role

WHAT he’s done for rugby league is just the start as Johnathan Thurston yesterday turned his attention to off-field passions.

Just a few hours after an emotional Origin win watched from the coach’s box, Thurston became the ambassador for Deadly Kindies – a $1.5 million initiative aimed at boosting the number of indigenous kids enrolled by combining health checks with kindy packs.

He mixed with health and education experts while talking about the tears and devastation leading up to Wednesday night’s game.

Now “at peace” with his decision not to play the decider he said it was time to start his smooth transition to other pursuits with an emphasis on social change.

With rates of indigenous kids enrolled in kindy as low at 65 per cent in some parts of South-East Queensland, organisers say Thurston’s support would see kindy numbers sky rocket to the 95 per cent target.

“I am in a very privileged position with what I do and want to be able to use that position to make social change,” Thurston said.

“Obviously, the career is coming to an end and I am passionate about education and certainly health and making sure the next generation of our culture are getting the best access to education and health.”