Thurston lobbies PM for new stadium

Johnathan Thurston’s Sunday night couldn’t have gone any better; a maiden premiership for the Cowboys, kicking the match-winning field goal and picking up the Clive Churchill Medal for his best on ground performance.

But there was still one thing JT had on his mind.

During the post-game ceremony, with the cameras all pointed his way, the Cowboys playmaker had one request.

“The last thing I want to say is that North Queensland deserves a new stadium,” Thurston said.

Queensland’s State Labor Government has committed $100 million towards a new stadium in Townsville’s CBD but without Federal Government assistance, the new ground is likely to be smaller than initially projected.

With freshly minted Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull on stage, Thurston, like he had done all night, seized his opportunity.

And if the Cowboys army have their way, it will come fully equipped with a solid gold statue of their hero out the front.