'Very good vibe': Johnathan Thurston dons new colours after cheeky bet with Paul Gallen

It is a jersey that Johnathan Thurston never thought he would don in his lifetime.

But a losing bet with Sharks great Paul Gallen saw the Cowboys legend forced to don the Cronulla colours.

The pair sat on the sidelines for the Cowboys elimination final against the Sharks, with the victorious team uniform set to be worn by the losing great the following week.

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Departing to Accor Stadium from Shark Park, Thurston declared it was the first time he had not been met by a chorus of boos at the Cronulla venue.

"It's the first time I haven't been booed here at Shark Park so I must be doing something right," he said.

"I'm honouring my bet that I lost last week with Gal, they reckon I look good in blue."

The Sharks will kick off the first of four finals battles this week for the club, with the women's team, Jersey Flegg and NSW Cup teams all competing for a spot in the grand final.

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Craig Fitzgibbon's men are planning to end the Penrith Panthers' reign over the NRL following three consecutive premiership victories on Saturday evening.

"It's a very good vibe, they are in a prelim and they're all going out there to support," Thurston said.

"Hopefully they put in a good performance and stop that juggernaut of Penrith."

Embracing the Cronulla spirit, Thurston joined Sharks fans chants.

"Up, Up. Up, Up," Thurston laughed.