The NRL has paid tribute to two of the game’s most popular Ambassadors Johnathan Thurston and Jessica Mauboy after the duo were awarded three Deadly choices awards overnight at the annual Deadly Choices Awards held at the Sydney Opera House.
Mauboy was the recipient of two awards winning the Single Release of the Year for the 2013 NRL anthem, ‘Something's Got A Hold On Me’ and APRA Song of the Year ‘Gotcha’, while 2012 NRL Ken Stephen Medallist, Thurston, was crowned 2013 NRL player of the year.
“Jess and Johnathan are two outstanding ambassadors for our game and on behalf of the NRL I would to congratulate them both for this superb recognition,” NRL General Manager Marketing and Commercial Mr Paul Kind said.
“Jess has been a wonderful representative for the NRL at all levels from launching our Telstra Premiership season, getting on the touch footy field to launch of new partnership and supporting our community initiatives.
Jess will be taking to the main stage at the NRL Telstra Premiership Grand Final this year and we can’t wait to have her entertain our fans again.
“Johnathan is one of our most admired players on and off the field.
“Apart from being one of the game’s best players, he is part of our Indigneous leadership group, a Ken Stephen medallist and is incredibly dedicated to his work in the community and this award is a celebration of all of JT’s hard work.”
The Deadlys recognise the contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to our community and to Australian society and showcase outstanding achievement and excellence.
One of the most important aims of the Deadlys is to provide national and local role models to inspire all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, and particularly Indigneous people.
“I had pleasure of attending last night and I was extremely proud and touched by both Jess and Johnathan’s acceptances speeches,” ARL Indigneous Chair, the Hon Linda Burney said.
“Both speeches were not only beautiful but humble also and as Chair of the ARL Indigenous Council I am incredibly proud to have Jess and Johnathan as Indigenous representatives of our great game.”
