Johnathan Thurston statue unveiled at new North Queensland stadium

North Queensland Cowboys legend Johnathan Thurston has been immortalised in a bronze statue outside of the new $250 million Queensland Country Bank Stadium.

Thurston played a total of 294 games for the Cowboys and was instrumental in their 2015 premiership which he sealed with a match winning field goal in golden point.

The NRL great's famous grand final field goal is the moment in his career in which the new statue depicts.

An emotional Thurston admitted he was blown away with the amount of support he received throughout his career.

"You think about it, but until it actually happens, it's blown me away how much support I have had, especially from the community here in Townsville and North Queensland," Thurston said.

Playing a total of 323 first grade matches, Thurston had a glittering rugby league career which also included two premierships, four Dally M Player of the Year awards, 37 games for Queensland and 38 games for Australia.

Before his tenure in North Queensland, Thurston played his first three NRL seasons with the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and was part of their premiership side in 2004.

Thurston debuted for the Cowboys in round one of the 2005 season, and from that moment on, forged a career so rich in North Queensland history, he's proud to call it his home.

"I'm extremely proud to call North Queensland home," he said.

"This community has embraced me when I arrived here in 2005 and this is where I will raise my four children."

Artist Jane Hawkins' was the individual in charge of perfecting and carving out the statue.

"It is a huge moment for myself and the family," Thurston added.

"I trusted Jane, it was a long process, I spent hours and hours at her place with the sculpting and the poses.

"She was very thorough in her work and you can tell how it's turned out."