FIRST PLEDGES TO PUT JT IN BRONZE
Sponsor joins plan to immortalise Thurston in bronze
THE campaign for a bronze statue of Cowboys co- captain Johnathan Thurston has had its first injection of funds.
1300SMILES director Daryl Holmes, who is also chairman of Cowboys Leagues Club, said the dental company was happy to commit $ 5000 to the campaign.
“We want to immortalise the amazing skills and qualities of JT, and the Cowboys team as a whole, and what they have achieved for North Queensland,” he said.
“We are keen to get it commissioned and implore business leaders and the community to get behind this campaign and the push for a new stadium and entertainment centre.”
Townsville Bulletin general manager Lewis Ramsay said the newspaper would match the contribution.
“We have seen first- hand the passion shown by Cowboys fans every year,” Mr Ramsay said.
“Winning the premiership has given the whole region a boost and put all eyes on Townsville and North Queensland as a whole, and we need to leverage on that.”
Mr Holmes agreed, saying the region “punches well above its weight” despite receiving a fraction of the funds spent in the southeast corner.
“Could you imagine what we could do with a world- class stadium and a sports Centre of Excellence?” he said.
The community campaign to “Put JT in Bronze”, which was started by the Bulletin after the Cowboys’ stunning NRL grand final win against the Brisbane Broncos, has already received 1800 signatures of support.
The team’s victory, after years of heartbreak, came just days after JT was awarded his fourth Dally M Medal.
If the statue goes ahead, Thurston could become the first player immortalised in bronze before retirement.
It is understood the State Government is also seriously considering the proposal.
There are currently four 200kg bronze statues of rugby league greats including Wally Lewis, Darren Lockyer, Arthur Beetson and Mal Meninga which take pride of place outside Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.
Each statue was erected after those players retired from the game. The statues cost about $ 70,000 each and were partially funded by the State Government and corporate sponsors.
Lewis, now a commentator for Channel 9, said most players were immortalised after they retired from the sport.
“It will happen. It’s just a matter of time,” he said.
“What JT and the team have done for rugby league and the people of North Queensland is terrific.
“Their premiership is probably one of the greatest things for rugby league in decades.”
Mr Holmes said Townsville deserved to get the first statue outside of Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium.
The statue is expected to be temporarily erected in the CBD near Townsville Bulletin Square and the Cowboys Leagues Club before taking up a permanent spot at the proposed new
stadium.