Get ready for some banter and a dash of rugby league grit on the cricket field because NRL legend Johnathan Thurston is gearing up for the T20 Black Clash in Mount Maunganui, and he’s not holding back.
The man known for his clutch plays, tough playing style and infectious laugh has thrown down the gauntlet to Team Rugby. Accompanying his signature chuckle, Thurston made it clear to the Herald that he won’t be sledging the likes of Brian Lara, Richie McCaw and Kieran Read, however, he added: “If they do run at me, I might spear-tackle them.”
Fresh off being named a wildcard for Team Cricket alongside stars like captain Dan Vettori, Nathan McCullum and Grant Elliott, in un-Australian fashion, the former Cowboys, Australia and Queensland halfback is no stranger to intense competition. Now, he’s swapping the footy field for the cricket pitch in what promises to be a memorable clash.
Talking about his excitement for the match, Thurston, whose dad hails from New Zealand, said: “I’m excited to grace the field with some of the greats of cricket and rugby as well. To have that opportunity to be on the field. I was a mad cricket fan when I was growing up.”
As for chucking on the pads and heading out to the crease to bat, Thurston, ever humble, joked about spending some quality time in the nets, saying: “I don’t want to make a fool of myself.”