ONE OF A KIND
PRAISE F OR JT AHEAD OF 300 NRL GAMES
FORMER NSW Origin skipper Danny Buderus has hailed Johnathan Thurston as one of the most competitive players the NRL has ever seen ahead of Thurston’s 300th NRL game milestone at 1300 SMILES Stadium. Buderus said only Blues legend Andrew Johns came close to rivalling Thurston’s insatiable thirst for success.
“It’s just his competitive nature,” Buderus said.
“Most halfbacks have skill but it’s their mindset that sets them apart and Thurston is right there with Andrew Johns in those stakes, in terms of the want and will to win.
“As a rugby league fan I just love watching him play.”
MCDONALD’S would like to congratulate Johnathan Thurston on his upcoming 300th NRL game and 271 club- game milestones.
An outstanding player who has represented his region, state and country at the highest level, we wish Johnathan the best of luck for his big game and for the rest of season 2018.
Johnathan has also provided inspiration for countless North Queensland children thanks to his tremendous contributions both on and off the field.
In this spirit, McDonald’s is proud to have provided more than $ 100,000 worth of sports grants over the last nine years, with the mission to improve the health of wellbeing of Australian children as strong as ever.
Beneficiaries of McDonald’s Sports Grants include Alligator Creek Angling Club and Townsville South Oztag, among many others.
“The Alligator Creek Angling Club would like to thank the McDonalds Sports Grant for the 3x3m marque we received in 2016,” Alligator Creek Angling Club weigh master Mark Klaffer said.
“This marquee has enabled our young anglers — who are too small to go out in the boats — to learn how to fish under shade.
“Due to the light weight of the marquee we can set it up by the edges of the creek systems and on beaches to keep our young ones out of the sun.”
Townsville South Oztag received a McDonald’s Sports Grant to provide extra shade to its junior players.
“Townsville Oztag has put the marquee to great use since being awarded it,” a club spokesperson said.
“It has proved invaluable during the hot summer afternoons of juniors in protecting our administration staff and referees from the extreme sun. Thanks McDonald’s for the support.” McDonald’s is also the major sponsor of local sporting organisations Townsville City Netball, NQ Football, JCU Townsville Fire, McDonald’s Running Festival, North Queensland Toyota Cowboys, and is a major supporter of Little Athletics Queensland and Swimming Queensland.
Last year McDonald’s and the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys entered into a partnership to bring exciting game day activities and offers for Cowboys members and fans.
The partnership extended the existing collaboration across major North Queensland restaurants to include Mackay, Cairns, Mt Isa, Townsville, Ingham, Ayr and Charters Towers, and gives the club’s regional supporters access to regular in- store benefits. “We are excited to continue our partnership with McDonald’s and the North Queensland Franchisees for the season ahead,” Cowboys Chief Commerical Officer Jeff Reibel said.
“Our partnership highlights our shared community values.
“A portion of sales of the much loved Cowboys Burger sold in McDonald’s North Queensland restaurants will continue to be donated to Ronald McDonald House, and this year through our partnership young boys and girls throughout North Queensland will have the opportunity to be a guest ball person at one of our home games.” Cowboys player Lachlan Coote will continue his role as ambassador of Ronald McDonald House North Queensland.