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The Making of a Total Legend
JT. One of the greats, simply the best. He is Johnathan Thurston.As a young Brisbane kid, Johnathan Thurston was written off as too skinny, too slow and too wild to play rugby league professionally. But he defied the odds to become one of the game's greatest players.In this young readers' edition of his bestselling autobiography, follow his journey from his debut with the Canterbury Bulldogs in 2002, to State of Origin star, and to total legend of the game.
256 pages, Paperback
Published August 19, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
July 10, 2024
This was a good book anyone who loves NRL or Love the player Jonathan Thurston this book is for u it’s so good finding out the past of the legend player Johnston Thurston overall a good book.
January 2, 2020
JT Thurston’s rugby career has been one to remember. This book is well written, easy to read and an excellent biography of his rugby league career.
From his start in Canterbury Bulldogs, to playing State of Origin for both sides over the years, to winning his first Dally M Medal and the first for North Queensland Cowboys, this encompasses his career perfectly.
A great book for an easy read and a book I couldn’t put down.
From his start in Canterbury Bulldogs, to playing State of Origin for both sides over the years, to winning his first Dally M Medal and the first for North Queensland Cowboys, this encompasses his career perfectly.
A great book for an easy read and a book I couldn’t put down.
January 15, 2022
Young adult book reviews: childhood stories are really well done and written with an engaging voice. Doesn't go into much of his professional career or life after that which is disappointing because would have been interesting to see transition from kid wanting to make it to seasoned veteran still going. Good appeal for kids from year 5 to year 10.
July 18, 2020
Great autobiography by a rugby league player. I liked how he talked about overcoming injury and rejection. Suitable for 8-14 year olds.
August 2, 2021
Loved it at the start but to be honest the end was just a recount of score lines of various football games.
October 12, 2024
Great read about the adversities of trying to be a professional sports person. I really enjoyed reading this with my son.
March 25, 2020
This is a remarkably easy read (double spaced and lined. It could have easily been published in under 100 pages if it was tighter) and seems aimed at adolescents with aspirations to follow in Johnathan Thurston's footsteps (rather than a serious biography). I had to remind myself this was a catalyst book. 30 years ago I was read Tiger Tiger Kiwi Rooster. It did not lead me to the NRL, but it did lead to David Henry Thoreau. In hindsight I know the path that made me a better person (but I would not have agreed 30 years ago). I liked that he half the book was gone before he made his NRL debut. He quotes himself verbatim in an extremely idealistic manner.
He is candid about being engaged in youth crime. He was the type of kids that might be breaking into peoples houses and stealing cars for shits and giggles. He is aware that his life could have turned out differently if it was not for Rugby League. I found it strange he did not mention Sonny Bill Williams from his Bulldogs days (something underlying between them?), nor Paul Pauhihi (who seemed to be such a strong leader of the Cowboys in the early success he found there). He glossed over 2008-2010 when the Cowboys lost a lot more games than they won (and a lot of his halves partners came to Townsville to have their careers die). I thought he could of dwelled on the effect of Fatherhood on his football (It seemed apparent to me that when he was ready to take the role of nurturer, Michael Morgan was allowed to bloom).
From a literary point of view it is poorly written and overly romantic. From a sense of purpose point of view, I think it fulfils it (to inspire adolescent boys). It should be in the teen section. If it can inspire a few boys towards a life of reading (as Gary Freeman started in me) I think this is a good book. Don't expect even an average literary work, but give it to your children who might need a bit of inspiration (and know who Johnathan Thurston is).
He is candid about being engaged in youth crime. He was the type of kids that might be breaking into peoples houses and stealing cars for shits and giggles. He is aware that his life could have turned out differently if it was not for Rugby League. I found it strange he did not mention Sonny Bill Williams from his Bulldogs days (something underlying between them?), nor Paul Pauhihi (who seemed to be such a strong leader of the Cowboys in the early success he found there). He glossed over 2008-2010 when the Cowboys lost a lot more games than they won (and a lot of his halves partners came to Townsville to have their careers die). I thought he could of dwelled on the effect of Fatherhood on his football (It seemed apparent to me that when he was ready to take the role of nurturer, Michael Morgan was allowed to bloom).
From a literary point of view it is poorly written and overly romantic. From a sense of purpose point of view, I think it fulfils it (to inspire adolescent boys). It should be in the teen section. If it can inspire a few boys towards a life of reading (as Gary Freeman started in me) I think this is a good book. Don't expect even an average literary work, but give it to your children who might need a bit of inspiration (and know who Johnathan Thurston is).
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews