A special kind of memento
IT is not a Dally M, a Clive Churchill Medal or a Golden Boot – but it is one of the most important awards Johnathan Thurston has won.
On the eve of his last NRL game, the future Immortal has revealed a World Cup semi-final man-of-thematch medal rates alongside his four Dally Ms as his most prized rugby league possession.
“That one is very special to me,’’ Thurston said.
“I was awarded man-of-thematch after we won the World Cup semi final in 2008 against Fiji. It is so special to me because I was able to put in one of my best performances just a few days after my Uncle Richard was murdered,’’ he said.
Thurston this week took News Corp on an exclusive tour of his Townsville trophy room and spoke about the murder that left him heart broken on the eve of his World Cup semi-final appearance against Fiji.
Thurston’s uncle – Richard Saunders – was bashed to death in a Brisbane park by up to eight men in a senseless attack in 2011.
“I still can’t understand what provoked that sort of violence,’’ Thurston said.
“I am still stunned by what happen as much as I was when I found out. I decided to play in that game even though I was in a very bad way as both a dedication to him and to my family, who were going through such a hard time.
“To be able to perform like I did in that game and win that award is why it is one of my most important awards.’’