Johnathan Thurston’s reaction to live TV interview blunder is pure gold

The NRL legend was on commentary duties for Channel 9 as Penrith beat South Sydney 14-12 in a thrilling Grand Final on Sunday night and had the privilege of speaking to ecstatic Panthers players on the field after full-time.

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Thurston’s made a name for himself as an astute analyst since transitioning into the media after retiring from footy but he still has a few things to learn about life behind the microphone.

For starters, the punters watching on TV can’t hear whoever’s speaking unless that microphone is in front of them.

“Premiership winning co-captain with me, Isaah Yeo,” Thurston said when he was thrown to on the field. “It looks like relief from you, mate.”

But as the Panthers lock started answering, Thurston kept the microphone to himself, smiling and looking on in awe at what the side from Sydney’s west had managed to achieve after the heartbreak of losing last year’s decider to Melbourne.

A few seconds into Yeo speaking about his team’s “never give up” attitude, it looked like Thurston received word via his earpiece something wasn’t quite right. He gave an awkward look to the camera, then turned back to Yeo — before it finally clicked.

The 2015 premiership-winner realised he’d been hogging the microphone, extending his right arm towards Yeo so viewers could actually hear what he was saying.

It’s an easy mistake to make in the pandemonium of a Grand Final, but more-so than the slip-up, fans loved Thurston’s reaction. You can actually see on his face the moment it hits him what he’s been doing wrong.

Then he grimaces slightly, appearing to be upset with himself for not nailing the interview.

Former AFL star turned radio presenter Ryan Fitzgerald captured the sentiment perfectly on Twitter, suggesting Thurston was “shattered with himself”.

It wasn’t the only awkward moment Thurston suffered on Sunday night. Minutes before kick-off, Thurston was addressing the 39,000 spectators and acknowledging the traditional owners of the land when he appeared to be cut off as the instrumental opening of the Australian National Anthem started blaring around the stadium.

Australian pop phenom Kate Miller-Heidke, who was preparing to sing Advance Australia Fair, appeared to be caught off guard by the music starting when it did, but regardless nailed the performance.

Footy fans weren’t impressed with the faux pas.

There were no such mistakes from Penrith, who held on for a two-point victory to secure their first premiership since 2003.

Scores were locked at 8-8 with 15 minutes to go when Souths five-eighth Cody Walker threw an ambitious cut-out pass that was intercepted by Panthers centre Stephen Crichton, who streaked away to score what would prove to be the matchwinning try.

The Bunnies scored 10 minutes later and Adam Reynolds had the chance to make it 14-all, but he missed the sideline conversion. It was a heartbreaking way for his career at Redfern to end, as he prepares to represent the Broncos in 2022.