October2018 pub cat

NON - FI CT I ON OCTOBER 2018

THE STORY BEHIND RUGBY LEAGUE’S GREATEST PLAYER, IN HIS OWN WORDS

Johnathan Thurston is widely regarded as the best rugby league player in the world — and arguably the greatest to ever play the game. Now, for the first time, award-winning journalist and author James Phelps reveals the story behind the legend. Thurston’s autobiography — written with News Corp journalist and long-time friend James Phelps — will follow Thurston’s journey from a Brisbane kid who was written off as too skinny, too slow and too wild to play professionally, to his debut with the Canterbury Bulldogs in 2003, to State of Origin star, through the fairy tale premierships, and on to Dally M and Clive Churchill Medal winner. ‘My story started in the backyard of a housing commission house in Sunnybank Hills. All these years later and despite my achievements, I am still blown away and completely humbled that people want to read my story. I’m honoured to have partnered with HarperCollins on this project and really hope everyone enjoys reading about my journey,’ Thurston says. On writing the book with Thurston, Phelps says, ‘I thought I knew everything about this Australian sporting legend. I didn’t. No one does. But soon they will. J.T. gave me access to all his personal files for the project and all the knockbacks, contracts and deals will be laid bare for the first time. He opens up on the setbacks and scandals. On the agony and pain. On love and hate — and on the time he almost walked away from rugby league. But this story doesn’t begin with medals and trophies, it begins in a Brisbane backyard; with a boy, a ball and a bloody big dream.’

Jonathan Thurston: The Autobiography J OHNAT H AN T HU R S TON & J AME S PH E L P S

ISBN: 9781460752609 eISBN: 9781460707418 AUS PRICE: $49.99 NZ PRICE: $55.00 FORMAT: Hardback PAGE EXTENT: 400pp

PUBLICITY CONTACT: Lara Wallace EMAIL: lara.wallace@harpercollins.com.au RELEASED: 24/09/18

James Phelps is an award-winning senior reporter for the Daily Telegraph and Sunday Telegraph . He is regarded as one of Australia’s finest news-breaking rugby league reporters and is one of the country’s most experienced and respected motorsports reporters. He is the author of the bestselling autobiography of racing car legend Dick Johnson, Dick Johnson: The Autobiography of a True-Blue Aussie Sporting Legend , a series of bestselling true crime books, and the story behind Australia’s greatest ever gold robbery, Australian Heist . James lives in Sydney and you can follow him on Twitter at @telejamesphelps.

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