Thurston calls for life bans as NRL investigates racial abuse

Johnathan Thurston has called for life bans for racism. Photo / Getty

Anyone found guilty of racial abuse should receive a NRL life ban, a fired up Johnathan Thurston says.

"Ban them for life, 100 per cent. We don't need that in society or the game - piss them off," the North Queensland co-captain said on Tuesday.

The proud Indigenous All Stars playmaker could not hide his anger over allegations that Newcastle's Dane Gagai was the subject of racist taunts during the Knights' last-round loss to Cronulla.

The NRL integrity unit is investigating the claims with Newcastle.

Gagai had been in tears after Sunday's 62-0 loss to the Sharks at Hunter Stadium but it was thought to be more due to the death of his grandmother rather than a racial slur. However, former South Sydney player Joe Williams said he heard the Knights' flyer being called a "sooky black c***" by a member of the crowd during Gagai's emotional outpouring, News Corp Australia and Fairfax reported.

Williams told NITV News on Monday there were "clowns in the audience that were yelling out racial jibes and abuse towards Dane".

Thurston - set to play his 250th game on Friday night for the Cowboys - said he was fortunate enough not to have been racially abused during his glittering career.

But the four-time Dally M Medallist was appalled at the prospect his Queensland State of Origin teammate Gagai had been the subject of racism.

"It would be very disappointing if that is true," Thurston said.

"I am hoping it is not. I haven't copped it. I have been very lucky in that regard.

"But there is no place for it. There could have been kids around whoever it was (yelling alleged taunts).

"They don't need to be hearing that sort of abuse."

Thurston said it hurt to hear the allegations from Newcastle, especially during what had been the NRL's Indigenous Round.

He said the league had done its best to eradicate that sort of behaviour via community programs run by various clubs and highlighted by the All Stars v Indigenous pre-season game held annually since 2010.

"I know the NRL are doing their part to close the gap," Thurston said.

"We have a number of indigenous programs run by clubs and we are seeing great results from that."

- AAP