Brisbane Broncos Sign Jonathan Thurston as Assistant Coach in Shock Move to Chase 2025 Premiership
In one of the most surprising developments in recent rugby league history, the Brisbane Broncos have announced the appointment of Queensland legend and former North Queensland Cowboys superstar Jonathan Thurston as assistant coach for the 2025 NRL season. The decision, unveiled at a packed press conference at Red Hill on Tuesday morning, has already sent shockwaves across the rugby league world and ignited a wave of excitement among Broncos fans who are desperate to see their club return to premiership glory.
The move is being described as “bold, visionary, and calculated,” as the Broncos hierarchy looks to combine modern coaching expertise with the inspirational leadership of one of the greatest players to ever lace up a boot.
A Legendary Career Transitions into Coaching
Jonathan Thurston, affectionately known as “JT,” enjoyed a career that few in rugby league history can match. Across 16 NRL seasons, Thurston won four Dally M Medals, was a two-time Golden Boot winner, and led the North Queensland Cowboys to their first ever premiership in 2015. Add to that his glittering Queensland State of Origin career—24 games, including a starring role in Queensland’s golden dynasty of eight straight series wins—and his reputation as one of the game’s most clutch performers is set in stone.
Since retiring in 2018, Thurston has transitioned smoothly into media, mentoring roles, and ambassador work. His commentary for Channel Nine has been widely praised for its insight, but many league insiders have long suspected he would one day return to the trenches of coaching. Now, that day has arrived—and in Broncos colors, no less.
Why the Broncos?
The Broncos, long regarded as the pride of Queensland rugby league, have endured a rollercoaster over the past decade. After a golden era through the 1990s and early 2000s, capped by the 2006 premiership, the club struggled for consistency in the years that followed.
Though Kevin Walters has restored pride to the jersey since his appointment as head coach in 2021, guiding Brisbane back into finals contention, the club is still searching for the magic ingredient to deliver its first title in nearly two decades.
Broncos CEO Dave Donaghy explained the decision:
> “Jonathan Thurston represents everything that is great about Queensland rugby league. His leadership, football IQ, and sheer determination are qualities we believe will inspire our squad and help us take the next step. Our goal is simple: bring a premiership back to Brisbane in 2025. JT will play a massive role in that mission.”
The Role: Assistant Coach with Special Focus
Thurston’s role will not be purely symbolic. The Broncos have confirmed he will serve as an assistant coach with a particular focus on game management, halves development, and mentoring young playmakers. His task will be to sharpen the tactical execution of Brisbane’s halves pairing, Adam Reynolds (in what may be his final season) and rising star Ezra Mam, who is already considered one of the most dynamic young talents in the competition.
Kevin Walters was full of praise when introducing Thurston to the media:
> “JT is a proven winner. He’s someone who knows how to get a team over the line in big moments. That’s exactly what we’ve been missing. Our squad has talent across the park, but with JT’s knowledge of playmaking and composure under pressure, I believe we can turn that talent into a premiership.”
Reaction from the Rugby League World
The signing has left fans, media, and former players buzzing. Many see Thurston’s appointment as a masterstroke that could tilt the premiership race in Brisbane’s favor.
Queensland legend and longtime Origin teammate Cameron Smith said on SEN Radio:
> “If anyone knows what it takes to win, it’s JT. He’s been the architect of some of the greatest Queensland and Cowboys victories. His influence on those Broncos halves will be enormous. I think every young player in that squad will lift just by having him in the building.”
Former Broncos captain Darren Lockyer, who also sits on the board, admitted the move had been in the works for months:
> “We wanted to add something extra to the coaching staff—someone who brings both authority and inspiration. Jonathan Thurston was the obvious candidate. It’s a huge coup for the Broncos.”
On social media, fans were quick to flood platforms with their excitement. Memes of Thurston wearing a Broncos polo circulated within minutes, while hashtags like JTtoBroncos and PremiershipBound trended throughout the day.
Cowboys Fans Divided
Perhaps unsurprisingly, not everyone is thrilled. North Queensland Cowboys supporters have expressed mixed emotions, with many struggling to accept that their club’s greatest ever player will now be working for their fiercest rivals. Some fans labeled the move a “betrayal,” while others took a more pragmatic view, acknowledging Thurston’s right to pursue his coaching ambitions.
Cowboys chairman Lewis Ramsay offered a diplomatic response:
> “Jonathan Thurston is forever a Cowboy. Nothing will change his legacy here. Of course, we would have loved for him to join our coaching staff, but we respect his decision and wish him well—except when he’s playing us.”
The Broncos and Cowboys’ already fiery Queensland Derby just gained another layer of intensity, with JT set to face his old club from the opposite coaching box in 2025.
What JT Brings to the Broncos
Thurston’s strengths as a coach are expected to mirror his strengths as a player. His ability to read the game, orchestrate attacking structures, and keep calm under pressure will be invaluable for a Broncos squad blessed with talent but still learning how to handle the big stage.
1. Halves Development – Ezra Mam is already a superstar in the making, but under Thurston’s guidance, he could become the best five-eighth in the league. The mentorship of one of the greatest playmakers ever will also benefit young halfback recruits coming through the Broncos system.
2. Game Management – Brisbane’s Achilles heel in recent seasons has been composure in crunch moments. JT, known for his ice-cool drop goals and clutch plays, will instill a winning mentality.
3. Leadership Culture – Thurston was renowned for his ability to inspire teammates, lift standards, and demand excellence. His influence in the Broncos locker room could be transformative.
4. Queensland Connection – By uniting Walters, Lockyer (board), and now Thurston, the Broncos have assembled a powerful trifecta of Maroons icons who understand Queensland rugby league culture better than anyone.
JT’s Vision for the Broncos
At the press conference, Thurston outlined his own excitement about the challenge:
> “I love this game, and I’ve always wanted to give back to it in a meaningful way. Coaching at a club like the Broncos is an incredible opportunity. I know the expectations here are huge, but that’s what excites me. This is a proud club that belongs at the top, and I’ll be doing everything I can to help Kevvie, the players, and the staff achieve that.”
When asked whether he saw the role as a stepping stone to a head coaching position in the future, Thurston remained diplomatic:
> “Right now, my focus is on being the best assistant coach I can be. The Broncos deserve my full commitment, and that’s exactly what they’ll get.”
The 2025 Premiership Chase
The Broncos’ roster for 2025 already looks stacked with potential. With Payne Haas anchoring the forward pack, Reece Walsh providing electricity at fullback, and Mam dazzling in the halves, the foundation is in place. The addition of Thurston to the coaching staff could be the missing piece to turn promise into silverware.
Bookmakers reacted swiftly to the news, shortening the Broncos’ premiership odds. Already considered among the favorites, Brisbane is now widely tipped to be the team to beat.
NRL pundit Phil Gould noted on Channel Nine:
> “This is the kind of left-field appointment that can make all the difference. Thurston won’t just be a figurehead—he’ll challenge players, challenge Kevvie, and bring fresh ideas. Brisbane are serious about 2025, and the rest of the league should be on notice.”
A New Chapter in Queensland Rugby League
Beyond tactics and titles, the move carries broader significance for Queensland rugby league. Thurston, long a hero of the state, will now help shape the next generation of Queensland talent through his role at the Broncos.
For young Indigenous players, in particular, his presence offers inspiration. JT has always been a passionate advocate for Indigenous representation in sport, and his voice within the Broncos system could help nurture future stars from diverse backgrounds.
Broncos skipper Adam Reynolds summarized it perfectly:
> “When JT speaks, you listen. To have him around every day is going to be huge for the boys. This is a statement of intent from the club—we’re all in for 2025.”
Looking Ahead
As the dust settles on this bombshell announcement, attention now turns to preseason preparations. Thurston is expected to begin work with the squad in November, focusing on skill drills, playmaking combinations, and mental resilience.
The Broncos’ opening clash of 2025 will be circled in red ink—not just for the usual hype, but to see how JT’s influence translates onto the field. And when Brisbane eventually faces the Cowboys, the theater will be unmissable.
For now, Broncos fans are daring to dream. The last time Brisbane lifted the Provan-Summons Trophy was 2006. With Jonathan Thurston now on board, belief is surging that the drought could end in 2025
Conclusion
Jonathan Thurston’s appointment as Brisbane Broncos assistant coach is more than a headline—it is a seismic shift in the rugby league landscape. It unites two great Queensland forces, brings a proven winner into the Broncos’ inner sanctum, and signals an all-in push for premiership glory.
Whether the gamble pays off will be revealed over the course of the season, but one thing is certain: the 2025 NRL campaign just became infinitely more fascinating.
For Jonathan Thurston, it’s a new chapter in an already legendary career. For the Broncos, it could be the beginning of a return to the summit. For the fans, it is hope reborn.
