Legend praises selfless Johnno

COWBOYS’ legend Paul Bowman says a gesture that showcased Johnathan Thurston’s team- first mentality is his finest memory of the retiring champion.

Thurston will be farewelled in style at tonight’s club presentation night, where the Cowboys’ player of the year will be awarded the Paul Bowman Medal.

Former Cowboys’ captain Bowman played alongside Thurston in his first three years at the club, from 2005 to 2007.

Thurston, a four- time Dally M medallist, will go down as one of the greatest players ever, but has always been known for putting the team first.

“It was my 200th game and it took place in the last round of the regular season in 2007 ( against the Bulldogs in Townsville),” Bowman said

“We had qualified for finals and the coaches had given Johnno and Matty ( Bowen) an option not to play that game, but they wanted to play.

“For me personally that shows the type of character that those guys have and I’ll always be thankful that they played. We also won the game ( 38- 32).”

Now the Cowboys’ high performance manager, Bowman said the competitiveness in Thurston ensured he squeezed every drop of effort out of himself in his 17 seasons.

“What’s made him so great is that he’s so competitive,” Bowman said.

“He’s got to be the winner, even at training, and he never gives up on anything.

“He’s had a multitude of injuries and had his setbacks on the field, but that’s just made him more determined.

“He’s also an easy player to train. He pushed himself as hard as he can, and he doesn’t need any outside motivation.”

Thurston has four Paul Bowman medals to his name, but this year’s award looks the most open in years.

The Cowboys had a poor season, which yielded just eight wins after being touted as premiership contenders.

Winger Kyle Feldt has had a breakout season including 14 tries in 24 matches, averages nearly 130 running metres per game and has rid the simple errors from his game.

Despite unfair comparisons to his record breaking season last year, Cowboys powerhouse Jason Taumalolo still averaged 177 running metres per game, the fourth best in the NRL.

Thurston finished top of the NRL in try assists ( 26) and line break assists, while utility Ben Hampton could poll early after some strong early performances when shifted to the backline.