JOHNATHAN Thurston is nothing if not considerate of others.

The Cowboys and Queensland playmaker always picks up his kicking tee after taking a shot at goal and hands it to the ball boy — one of the many attributes that make him so likeable.

He was at it again on Wednesday night after the Maroons had clinched a 6-4 victory over NSW in Sydney, winning the crowd over in a way only he can.

He went over to a section of the crowd crammed with Queensland supporters and handed his headgear to a small boy. Thurston does this after most games, but there was something extra special about this instance.

The kid’s reaction is priceless. If pure happiness had a human face, the enthusiastic youngster would be its poster boy.

Then there was the reaction of the boy’s guardian — presumably his father. He came in a close second in the “happiest supporter around” competition, appearing to break out into tears, overwhelmed by Thurston’s classy gesture.

Paul Gallen might talk about the genuine hatred that exists between the two states at State of Origin time, but how can you hate a man who does that, even if you are a NSW fan?

Thurston’s goodwill comes at a price, though. The Daily Telegraph has reported his habit of giving his headgear away had cost him $40,000 over the past five years — more than what his actual sponsorship with manufacturer Madison is worth.

It’s estimated that in that time, Thurston has given away approximately 500 headgear pieces, which sell for $80 a pop.


“There’s a cost to us associated with it, which is over and above the endorsement fee that we pay him, but I think it’s a wonderful thing for the game and for Johnathan to do. I would say it began five years ago and we were happy to support it,” said Madison Sports director Brian Carmody.

“He calls for 20 or 30 at a time through the season and would probably go through 100 units a year, but we don’t count them.”
Class on the field, class off it.

Donating his headgear wasn’t Thurston’s only shining moment on Wednesday. Speaking with Channel Nine’s Erin Molan after the game, he addressed the situation in Aurukun, where teachers at a local school have fled violence and students are refusing to turn up to school.

“I just want to say a quick hello to the Aurukun State School,” Thurston said.

“There’s obviously been a lot of trouble up there, so to all the students there, I just want you to believe in yourselves and keep turning up to school.”  .............

..............In an age where footballers too often make headlines for embarrassing themselves and their sport, JT’s touching shout-out — and all-round good guy act — is a breath of fresh air.

Yes, I have great respect for Thurston as a player and a gentleman.... many could learn from that.  It's just that he plays for the wrong side in State of Origin.... but when he pulls on the Green and Gold - he's our main man

I love that cross field kick into the in-goal on the fifth when the opposition are expecting a grubber or high kick or similar....!