Johnathan Thurston stitched up in hilarious April Fools' Day prank

Rugby league icon Johnathan Thurston was made the butt of a perfectly executed and hilarious April Fools' Day prank during last night's clash between the Manly Sea Eagles and Penrith Panthers.

As a Channel 9 panel consisting of host James Bracey, former Jillaroos star Allana Ferguson and Thurston prepared to welcome viewers back to the coverage at half-time, Bracey set a prank in motion that had been in the planning "all week".

"I do not feel good," a swaying Bracey said as he was counted down to his first line.

Ferguson, aware of the prank, played along: "Are you all right?"

Bracey then ran from the desk, pretending to spew, as a stunned Thurston watched on, laughing nervously.

But the Cowboys legend had no time to ask questions, presuming thousands of viewers had just returned live from the ad-break.

"Welcome back to Thursday night footy," Thurston said sheepishly as he took on the hosting duties.

"We've just had a little bit of an accident there with James Bracey not feeling the greatest, so I'm taking over.

"Allana, what a start to the half by the mighty Penrith Panthers! They kicked off with Viliame Kikau and the rest, so we'll throw over to Freddy (Brad Fittler) now."

But Fittler, as per the script of the prank, wasn't ready to join the coverage, heaping even more pressure on Thurston.

"Yes," an almost speechless Thurston said.

"How about we have a look at some highlights, Allana? We'll do that."

Ferguson gave some match analysis.

"Yeah, it was a really fast start from Penrith," Ferguson said.

"They were dominant on that left edge again and the tries just kept piling on, didn't they?"

It was then Thurston's turn to speak again.

"Yeah, well they got off to a flyer, the Panthers, and it was just one-way traffic," Thurston said.

"The left side of the Panthers' attack has just been outstanding tonight, so ..."

Bracey, who had returned to the desk just seconds earlier, then fired the punch line.

"Hey JT," Bracey said.

"April Fools, baby!"

Laughter erupted, Thurston and Bracey running off hysterically as Ferguson broke into stitches at the desk.

Bravo, team. Well played.