BREAKING NEWS: It is Done North Queensland Cowboys Legend Johnathan Thurston Returns as Director of Football In a monumental, North Queensland Cowboys Chairman Lewis Ramsay and his family has officially declared that Johnathan Thurston the legendary former halfback/five-eighth and long-time face of the franchise, will return to the organization in 2025 as a Director of Football v..…view more

BREAKING NEWS: It is Done — North Queensland Cowboys Legend Johnathan Thurston Returns as Director of Football

In a monumental moment for the North Queensland Cowboys and rugby league fans across the nation, club chairman Lewis Ramsay, flanked by his family and senior club officials, has officially confirmed that Johnathan Thurston — the club’s most iconic player and long-time ambassador — will return to the Cowboys in 2025 as Director of Football.

The emotional announcement was made at Cowboys HQ earlier this afternoon, where Ramsay, beaming with pride, declared:

“It is done. Johnathan Thurston is coming home, not just as a legend, but as a leader who will help shape the next era of Cowboys football.”

Thurston, who played 294 NRL games — 271 of them with the Cowboys — and famously led the team to its maiden NRL Premiership in 2015, will step into the newly expanded role with oversight across recruitment, player development, high-performance strategy, and mentoring of emerging talent.

“North Queensland is in my blood,” Thurston said during the press conference. “This club gave me everything, and now I’ve got the opportunity to give back in a different way. I’m honoured, excited, and ready to roll up my sleeves.”

The return of JT has already sent shockwaves through the rugby league community, with Cowboys fans flooding social media with messages of support and anticipation. The announcement is being hailed as a masterstroke, both in footballing terms and for the broader morale of a club that has endured a rebuilding phase in recent seasons.

Ramsay praised Thurston’s unmatched legacy and his vision for the club’s future.

“Johnathan isn’t just a former player — he’s a symbol of who we are. With him leading our football department, we’re not just planning for success; we’re expecting it.”

Sources within the organization suggest that Thurston has already been involved in key offseason planning discussions and may play a pivotal role in off-field recruitment decisions ahead of the 2026 season.

The club will hold a public welcome event at Queensland Country Bank Stadium next week, where fans will have the chance to hear directly from Thurston and other senior figures.