NRL legend Johnathan Thurston is ready to change the world after hanging up his boots.
Thurston made his final appearance on Saturday in a 30-26 win for the North Queensland Cowboys against the Gold Coast Titans.
The 35-year-old retires as the third-highest scorer in NRL history, as well as being the record holder for points scored for Australia and in State of Origin matches.
Reflecting on his career at full-time, Thurston told Fox Sports: "I've enjoyed every moment of it. There's been some ups and there's been some downs but I can't thank the game of rugby league enough for the life that it's given me.
"I'm in a privileged position that I've been able to play this game week in, week out for the last 17 years.
"I understand my role in the community now and [I] just [want to] give back and try to make this world a better place. I'm very thankful.
"[The status of role model] is something that I've grown into and it's something that I really enjoy.
"I'm in a privileged position that I get to make a difference throughout the community and I'm passionate about my culture and making sure that there's great programmes out there for them to better their own lives.
"I'm very proud of what I've been able to achieve, not only on the field but especially off it."
Saturday's result leaves the Cowboys down in 13th and Thurston says a lack of finals rugby made it easier to prepare for his NRL swansong.
"Knowing that this was the last game, it was a bit easier to prepare for it," he added. "When I was playing finals, you wouldn't know when your last game was.
"But not playing finals has certainly helped that."
As for his career highlight, Thurston was in no doubt.
"Hard to go past the 2015 final, being part of the first Cowboys Premiership team," he said. "That's something I'm extremely proud of and that playing group have been great."
