"We welcome all nations to our country for this World Cup."
The entire Kangaroos team then spoke as one along with Smith to declare: "And we will rise as one".
As they said it, the Kangaroos players also jumped back to their feet before spreading out to make a new formation.
From that moment Thurston, who was also on the field, dressed in a formal suit and holding a microphone, took over the performance, speaking as the Kangaroos players formed a chevron turned towards the English team.
As they took their positions, Thurston began to speak.
"Like the coat of arms on our heart...," he said before appearing to forget the exact phrase he wanted to use before eventually, after a small delay, continuing to speak.
"We will be selfless."
Channel 7's microphones picked up Thurston saying the word "f***" as he desperately tried to remember the right words to say.
After the brief delay he eventually found his place.
"Like the chevron on our chest, we will be selfless in victory," he said.
"We are from different backgrounds, but we strive for excellence and will rise united.
The entire Kangaroos team then said as one: "We are Kangaroos".
You can hear his slip-up at the 1mins 23sec mark in the video below.
Thurston's unfortunate slip-up was barely audible, but it was still a conversation starter among fans.
Despite Thurston's minor blemish, the historic acknowledgment to country was hailed a resounding success by rugby league commentators.
Thurston earlier explained how he helped inspire the Kangaroos' first-ever acknowledgment to country.
