Johnathan Thurston has set his name in the NRL history books.

The North Queensland player was awarded his fourth Dally M medal last night, after leading the Cowboys to the NRL Grand Final against the Broncos.

Maximillian Ng reports.

TRANSCRIPT

Thurston was not in Sydney for last night’s black-tie event.

The NRL agreed he could stay in Townsville, as the Cowboys prepare for Sunday’s Grand Final.

Early in the count, it became clear Thurston was the front runner.

Announcer: “Johnathan Thurston from the Cowboys on 25 points, Aaron Woods from the Tigers, 18 points, Blake Austin, Canberra Raiders, 16 points, Benji Marshall, the Dragons, 14 points.”

After 26 rounds, he’d gained 32 votes, 11 clear the three other nominees, Benji Marshall, Aaron Woods and Michael Ennis.

Announcer: “Dally M winner for the 2015, Johnathan Thurston, ladies and gentlemen.”

Johnathan Thurston, Cowboys Captain: “This game is littered with superstars of the game, so to be standing up here, I’m just extremely proud.”

Thurston credited his team for the win, as well as his parents and his partner Samantha.

Jonathan Thurston, Cowboys Captain: “Samantha, thank you for everything you do for me, I can’t thank you enough, you’re my rock.”

He has little doubt the Cowboys face an enormous challenge to beat the Broncos next weekend.

Johnathan Thurston, Cowboys Captain: “This is what you play football for, to be in the big dance, and we’ve given ourselves the opportunity to come up against, you know, probably the form team all year, the Brisbane Broncos.”

Last night, at least, Thurston was the star, also picking up three other awards Halfback of the Year, the Provan-Summons Medal and Captain of the year.

Maximillian Ng, QUT News.