How one rugby star's daughter's doll captivated the world

The dark-skinned doll was heralded as an achievement when it was seen clutched by a rugby player's little girl

Victory: The images shared of Johnathan Thurston and his little girl are pure joy

A surprise recent star of a top sporting event has not been a player on the pitch - but a little doll clutched by the daughter of a field star.
And the tiny toy has started a social media revolution with its almost unique appearance among dolls.

The doll belonged to Frankie, daughter of NRL champion Johnathan Thurston, and was spotted after the NRL Grand Final.

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Sit down: Johnathan told Frankie, two, that he loved her in the emotional shots

As a member of the Cowboys team which beat the Brisbane Broncos 17-16 on Sunday, Johnathan was celebrating post-whistle.
When his two-year-old daughter joined him on the pitch, he scoooped her up proudly.
But it was Frankie's dark-skinned doll which immediately hit the headlines.
The 32-year-old rugby league player indigenous Australian told his little girl he loved her and the emotional image was shared over and over online.

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Big night: Cowboys captain Johnathan Thurston celebrates with Frankie

But it was the doll that was a real source of joy for many following Thurston's golden point kick at the end of extra time