Johnathan Thurston has hailed an NRL yarning circle as a way to acknowledge and celebrate Pasifika, Maori and Indigenous talent.
The one in which the wily old coach, witnessing a career at a crossroads, put the challenge to the sometimes errant star.History shows that Thurston, with those words ringing in his ears, went on to maximise his potential and become one of the all-time greats. At the time, Thurston took the advice as a prompt to harness all of his natural footballing gifts. However, his is now a legacy that transcends rugby league.
The two-time premiership-winning half has used his platform to assist Indigenous Australians to fulfil their potential, whether it be through programs at the Johnathan Thurston Academy or by sharing his own story.Thurston was speaking after participating in a “talanoa”, a yarning circle conducted at Nine Entertainment Co – owners of this masthead – with the Channel Nine footballing commentary talent.
“Certainly it’s started conversations, not only in rugby league but socially throughout the country. Despite what has happened, hopefully there’s a positive movement from it.” “Conversation starters is one thing – it needs to move to collaboration and competency and contribution.”
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