TRANSCRIPT
Natalie Ahmat: It's been more than a week since the North Queensland Cowboys became NRL premiers, and not a day has gone by without fans celebrating the success of captain Johnathan Thurston.
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It's an interesting sight to behold in comparison to the treatment of Adam Goodes: An Indigenous player who ended his career, in part, because of ill treatment by opposing fans.
When I decided not to play against the crows I realised I didn't want to come back and play footy, as it was just a tough situation
Tara Callinan explains.
Tara Callinan: Johnathan Thurston. Four Dally Medals, 268 games and two premiership wins.
Adam Goodes. Two Brownlow medals, 372 games and two premiership wins.
Clearly a couple of very successful Indigenous athletes. However, only one can relish in his glory.
From a captain to a legend, Johnathan Thurston has become Queensland royalty.
Just last week, calls were made for Thurston to be inducted as an immortal before he retires. Now the state of Queensland wants their favourite Cowboy immortalised in bronze.
The Townsville Bulletin has launched a campaign on change.org to create a bronze statue of their golden boy in the heart of the city.
The online petition has already raised $15,000 but needs 130 more signatures before it can be handed to the state government.
It's a movement that must astound supporters of Adam Goodes, who are left wondering why their idol was forced to step out of the limelight while Thurston continues to shine.
During the Swans Club Champion Dinner on Friday, Goodes said it had been a challenging year but made no direct reference to the vilification he received from opposing fans.
Adam Goodes: When I decided not to play against the crows I realised I didn't want to come back and play footy, as it was just a tough situation.
It was the first time Goodes spoke publicly since announcing his retirement earlier last month.
He is now on vacation until next year.
Tara Callinan, NITV News.
