Jonathan Thurston will remain in Townsville after retiring, signing a contract with the North Queensland Cowboys in a mentoring role starting next season.
The former Australian and Queensland representative has reportedly signed a three-year contract that will see him mentor some of the Cowboys up and coming players, according to The Courier Mail.
He will also be a major influence on the current crop of halves at the Cowboys. With Thurston retiring after this season it will leave a major hole in the halves. So players like Michael Morgan, Te Maire Martin and Jake Clifford will benefit off having such an experienced player like Thurston around for guidance, and lessen his absence in the lineup.
“I’ll have a job here next year, 100 per cent,” Thurston told The Courier Mail.
“I will have a few roles for the club with indigenous work, but one thing I’m looking forward to is working with guys like ‘Morgo’ and Jason Taumalolo.’’
Cowboys coach Paul Green will also need to decide on who will line up beside Michael Morgan next season with Thurston retiring. The two favorites to lineup in the halves in 2019 are Te Maire Martin and Jake Clifford.
Both are currently in the lineup, due to Michael Morgan being injured with Martin playing fullback and Clifford playing five eighth.
This will be Thuston's second post-football job after being appointed to the Board of Tourism and Events Queensland early this year. He also has a role in North Queensland's Indigenous programs.