JT’S FAREWELL PERFORMERS
AUSTRALIAN pop star Isaiah Firebrace ( pictured) will join Townsville’s Jade Holland and Trent Bell performing at Cowboys star Johnathan Thurston’s final home game next Friday.
THE X Factor winner and Australian Eurovision contestant Isaiah Firebrace will headline the entertainment at Johnathan Thurston’s final home game.
The Townsville Bulletin can exclusively reveal Firebrace will play a 20- minute pre- game set and be supported by Townsville artists Trent Bell and Jade Holland at the August 24 game.
Although Firebrace is from Melbourne and has never seen a live rugby league game, he said he was thrilled to be part of the momentous match.
“It will be really cool to support Johnathan Thurston for his last game,” he said.
“I’m very excited because I don’t think I’ve actually watched a rugby league game before live, so it will be a great one to see.”
Firebrace said Thurston was a role model for many people, particularly those with an indigenous background.
The performer also has Aboriginal heritage and said JT had inspired many indigenous people throughout Australia.
“I grew up not watching rugby league but I watched AFL, so I know how much sport is a massive part of culture in Australia,” Firebrace said.
“He ( Thurston) has done so well in the sport and has really inspired a lot of indigenous people.
“It’s really awesome to be part of his send- off and to celebrate an amazing career.
“Me and my music director have been working on new songs and new content for my shows.
“It’s so cool because there’s so many people there and you can feel the energy.
“I’m sure in Townsville it will be even better because everyone is there for such a good reason.”
There is expected to be a bumper crowd for the Townsville game.
Cowboys CEO Greg Tonner said with one week to go until JT’s final home game, ticket sales were steady.
There are 8000 tickets left, with grandstand seating and general admission still available at the 26,500capacity stadium.
“As the last opportunity to thank JT for his contribution to the club and the community over the past 14 years, we’d love everyone to secure their ticket and ensure we’re packing 1300SMILES Stadium to give JT a fitting farewell,” Tonner said.
Thurston’s last NRL game is on September 1 away against the Gold Coast Titans and tickets are selling even faster for that.
More than 21,000 tickets have already been sold, but there are more left.
The club is expecting to record the highest regular- season home crowd since Jarryd Hayne’s debut for the Titans in 2016.
It could even challenge the ground record of 27,227, which happened when the Titans played the Broncos at home in the 2009 final series.