There have been calls for the date to be changed due to the associations between January 26 and atrocities committed against Indigenous Australians.

"I think we need to have a national chat about it, and I think Australians need to be educated on why some Indigenous Australians, Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders, aren't fans of or aren't associated with January 26," Thurston told NRL.com.

"I think Australians need to be educated on why they feel that way and know the actual history about our country.”

The four-time Dally M medal winner was named Queensland Australian of the Year for his campaigning to recognise Indigenous Australians in the constitution.

"I think once people do know the history of our country and where our culture has been and where our culture has come from today, a lot of people would have a different view on it,” he said.

"Once we can have that chat and move forward and move forward as one nation and one country."