NRL legend Johnathan Thurston reveals response when warned about State of Origin sideline behaviour
Johnathan Thurston reveals his cheeky response when the NRL gave him a warning about his behaviour on the sideline at State of Origin
- Johnathan Thurston told by NRL officials to keep emotions in check
- Footy legend told officials he will ‘do what he wants’ in Origin arena
- Game three of 2023 series on Wednesday at Sydney’s Accor Stadium
- Billy Slater led Queensland squad are chasing a 3-0 whitewash
Johnathan Thurston has revealed exactly what he told officials after the NRL warned him about his antics while he helped coach Queensland from the sideline during the series opener in Adelaide.
Thurston, 40, was fiercely competitive in his playing days, and clearly that has translated into his work as Billy Slater’s Maroons’ assistant.
The former champion halfback confirmed the exact exchange on the Nine’s The Billy Slater Podcast.
‘I got a warning from the NRL, they sat me down and said I’m not allowed to wear my heart on my sleeve and I’m not allowed to do what I was doing,’ Thurston said.
‘I said [to them] this is Origin, I’ll do what I want,’ before producing one of his trademark laughs.
Johnathan Thurston has revealed what he told officials after the NRL warned him about his behaviour when helping coach Queensland from the sideline during the 2023 series opener
Thurston (pictured with wife Samantha) was fiercely competitive in his playing days, and clearly that has translated into his work as Billy Slater’s Maroons’ assistant
Wednesday’s clash in Sydney is looming as Brad Fittler’s final game in charge of NSW after he replaced Laurie Daley as head coach ahead of the 2018 series
With Slater’s men cruising to a 32-6 victory in game two at Suncorp Stadium, Thurston was a little more subdued.
‘I ride the highs and the lows like all the fans,’ he said. ‘I love State of Origin, I love watching rugby league.
‘You know when we [Queensland] are winning and losing because of my emotions, you can certainly see those.’
Thurston will return to the sidelines on Wednesday night at Accor Stadium in Sydney as the Maroons aim for a 3-0 clean sweep.
The clash is looming as Brad Fittler’s final game in charge of NSW after taking over from Laurie Daley as head coach ahead of the 2018 series.
Michael Maguire is looming as a possible replacement in 2024, but has plenty on his plate as New Zealand’s head coach as well as a working as an assistant to Ricky Stuart at the Raiders.
Fittler’s fortunes are in stark contrast to Slater, who has now won back to back series’ for Queensland with no previous coaching experience.
It follows 31 appearances as a player for the Maroons between 2004 and 2018, where he scored 12 tries.
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