Johnathan Thurston is being hailed as the front‑runner for rugby league’s next Immortal on 12 Jul 2026, after a career that includes a 2015 Grand Final field‑goal and four Dally M Medals.
Why is Thurston the obvious choice?
Thurston’s résumé reads like a highlight reel. He played 323 first‑grade games, 37 State of Origin matches and 38 tests for Australia. The half‑back lifted the North Queensland Cowboys to their maiden premiership in 2015, sealing the win with a last‑second field‑goal that commentator Ray Warren called “the moment he became a legend”.
How does his record compare with past Immortals?
Only 14 players have ever earned the Immortal badge in the 118‑year history of Australian rugby league. Among them sit pioneers such as Clive Churchill and modern icons like Andrew Johns. Thurston matches or exceeds many of their feats: two club premierships (one with the Bulldogs as a bench player, one with the Cowboys), eight straight State of Origin series wins for Queensland, and a World Cup victory with the Kangaroos. His four Dally M Medals remain the league record.
What does his Indigenous heritage add to the conversation?
Thurston is the second Indigenous player ever mentioned in Immortal talks, after Arthur Beetson. The article notes that other Indigenous greats—Greg Inglis, Gorden Tallis, Laurie Daley and rising try‑scorer Alex Johnston—could also be in the frame. The discussion extends to the women’s game, with Tamika Upton named as a potential first female Immortal.
When could the NRL announce the next Immortal?
The NRL has not set a timetable, but the feature suggests the decision is “inevitable”. As the league celebrates 50 years of the Deadly brand, the push for Thurston’s induction is gaining momentum. If the committee follows the pattern of honouring players shortly after retirement, Thurston could be named within the next season.
What does this mean for Thurston’s legacy?
Being crowned an Immortal would cement Thurston’s status as the greatest playmaker of his generation. It would also highlight the growing recognition of Indigenous contributions to the sport. For fans, it offers a clear milestone to celebrate a career that blended skill, leadership and clutch performances.
How will this affect future Immortal selections?
Thurston’s case may set a precedent for broader inclusion. The article hints that the NRL might soon consider female players, with Tamika Upton’s five NRLW premierships and two Dally Ms making her a strong contender. The conversation is shifting from a static list to a more diverse, contemporary roster.
What’s the next step for the league?
The NRL will likely convene its historic panel later this year to review candidates. Stakeholders—including former Immortals, club executives and Indigenous leaders—are expected to weigh in. Until an official announcement arrives, Thurston’s name dominates headlines and fan forums alike.
Why does this matter now?
Marking 50 years of the Deadly brand, the league is reflecting on its past while shaping its future. Thurston’s potential induction ties together history, cultural recognition and the evolution of the game, making the story more than a simple accolade—it’s a milestone for Australian sport.