Thurston tells troubled kids to 'believe in yourself'

Queensland captain Johnathan Thurston has voiced his support for the troubled community of Aurukun during his post-game media commitments after Wednesday's State of Origin win.

Speaking to reporter Erin Molan on Channel 9's coverage, Thurston finished his on-field interview with a message to students in the Cape York community, in Far North Queensland.

"I want to say a quick hello to Aurukun state school," the skipper said.

"There's been a lot of trouble up there, so to all the students there, I want you to believe in yourselves and keep turning up to school."

Staff from the Cape York Aboriginal Academy have been evacuated from the region twice in the past fortnight amid violence from students.

Principal Scott Fatnowna was attacked twice by teens armed with knives and had two cars stolen in a month, prompting intervention from education authorities.

Matt O'Hanlon, principal of south-east Queensland's Beenleigh State High School, arrived in Aurukun on Monday to act as interim principal.

He was accompanied by two additional teachers.

The school's founder Noel Pearson has defended the teaching model at the school.

Mr Pearson says the focus needed to be into violence and alcohol use in the community.