Not even Immortal Andrew Johns can lay claim to having a bronzed statue at Newcastle’s Hunter Stadium.

And now it looks like four-time Dally M and NRL premiership winner Johnathan Thurston is about to get his own at 1300Smiles Stadium in Townsville after slotting the match-winning field goal to sink the Brisbane Broncos at ANZ Stadium on Sunday night.

Townsville’s local newspaper has started an online petition which currently sits at 923 supporters.

The petition reads:

“Letter to Queensland Government, Townsville City Council, Townsville business.

“Let’s put JT in Bronze.

“After guiding the North Queensland Cowboys to their maiden NRL Premiership there’s no better way to immortalise Johnathan Thurston than with a bronze statue.

“Please support our campaign with action.”

When asked about the statue, Queensland Sports Minister Bill Byrne said he was confident the statue would be erected.

“I congratulate the North Queensland Cowboys and I think this is fantastic for the North Queensland community,” Mr Byrne said who heads to Townsville on Thursday with QLD Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk.

“I would be more than happy to work with community to get a statue of recognition for Johnathan Thurston.

“I am willing to work with the community in getting it located where they would like to see it and financially support it.”

There are four statues already at Suncorp Stadium and the push is well and truly on now to acknowledge Thurston’s amazing career.

“JT has a never-give-up attitude, he brings that enthusiasm with him and I would be happy to well and truly see a statue of him up in lights,” Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said.

“When people go to Lang Park, it’s about the history and what the ground means, and these type of features are what creates great sporting and entertainment precincts.”

The man himself is still palming off credit to his team-mates such is the man.

“It’s a team sport. They’ve been outstanding all year, it’s all about winning a premiership and I can’t be prouder of the boys.”

You can sign the petition here: https://www.change.org/p/jt-in-bronze

@woodward_curtis