Johnathan Thurston's status as a Queensland rugby league icon will be enshrined in bronze outside Townsville's new stadium.
But Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk's timing of the announcement may have taken some gloss off the "great tribute" outside the new $250 million stadium.
Thurston, a former Maroons and Kangaroos playmaker, dazzled North Queensland rugby league fans during his 13-year NRL career with the Cowboys.
That career included 323 NRL games, a premiership, 37 games for Queensland during a period of Maroon dominance and 38 games for Australia.
Off the field, the likely Immortal was recognised for indigenous advocacy with Queenslander of the Year honours in 2018.
While the move should come as no surprise when considering the 36-year-old's achievements, the government's handling of the announcement on Thursday has been criticised by the state opposition.
Ms Palaszczuk made the announcement in the midst of her government being grilled during question time over the locking up of children as young as 10 in maximum security cells built for adults.
It appeared it was made in haste, with no official press release or media event planned.
LNP leader Deb Frecklington said she would be surprised if Thurston even knew about the statue.
"As a Cowboys fan, I'm really pleased for 'JT' that he's recognised with a statue," Ms Frecklington.
"However, Annastacia Palaszczuk has form in relation to this. I think the last crisis, she announced a statue for 'Alfie' (Allan Langer).
"Today, she was put on the spot again in parliament and her only response was to announce a statue."
The stadium opens in 2020.
