HE IS back. The all-time player for the Queensland Cowboys has officially announced his return.

HE IS back. The all-time player for the Queensland Cowboys has officially announced his return.

This preseason, the Cowboys will welcome back their all-time best player when renowned playmaker Jonathan Thurston rejoins the team.

Thurston, who retired in 2018 after 294 games, four Dally M Medals, a Clive Churchill Medal, and a premiership, will be playing in his first formal capacity with the squad.

Following Thurston’s departure, North Queensland has struggled, placing 14th, 14th, and 15th in the subsequent three seasons.

Thurston’s return as a consultant, mostly working with the halves, was confirmed by the club.

“JT is one of the greatest players our game has ever seen; to have him back in a hands-on coaching capacity is a huge coup for our club,” Todd Payten, our head coach, stated.

His primary task will be to collaborate closely with our halves to improve their games, but having him back in our building and during training will help the whole team.”

Halfback Chad Townsend, who won the Premiership, has signed a contract with the team through 2022, while this season’s starting five-eighth, Scott Drinkwater, played every game.

The Broncos also brought up up-and-coming playmaker Tom Dearden in the middle of the season, who will strengthen the position.

When Thurston joined up with the Queensland Origin squad this year, under the guidance of former coach Paul Green, he experienced coaching elite football for the first time.

When his return was announced, Thurston expressed his eagerness to get going.

“I’m extremely excited to be back; this club obviously holds a special place in my heart,” Thurston stated.

“I had the good fortune to get a taste of mentoring the Maroons for the Origin series this year, and I had a great time.

“I think we have some serious talent in the halves here at the Cowboys, and I look forward to helping those guys refine their game over the pre-season.”