Johnathan Thurston finished his glittering rugby league career with yet another sensational season for the North Queensland Cowboys.

Having retired from representative football the season prior, Thurston played in all 24 games for the Cowboys in 2018.

Thurston led the NRL in both try assists and line-break assists and finished sixth with 166 points – an amazing feat for a player who turned 35 early in the season and was returning from serious shoulder surgery.

The four-time Dally M Medalist celebrated his milestone 300th NRL game with a 20-14 victory over the Sharks in Round 1.

He produced a number of stellar performances in 2018, but the Cowboys legend saved his best for his final appearance in front of the North Queensland faithful at 1300SMILES Stadium – the scene of so many Thurston masterclasses since joining the club in 2005.

Taking on Parramatta in Round 24, Thurston haunted the Eels one final time, setting up two tries, having a hand in three-line breaks and booting eight goals in a resounding 44-6 victory.

Thurston finished his Cowboys career as the most capped player in club history with 294 appearances across 14 magical seasons.

2018 stats:

Games: 24

Tries: 3

Try assists: 22

Line-break assists: 24

Kick metres per game: 186