All Blacks Brad Thorn, right and John Afoa, left, react. AP Photo/Peter Morrison
As a keen observer of both league and union, I can’t help but notice the career of Brad Thorn. He’s been centre stage singing the national anthem for the Kangaroos or the Maroons, thrilling the fans with the Haka for the All Blacks, lifting NRL premierships for the Broncos, or sharing in spoils of another title for the Crusaders.
Put simply, this dual rugby-code international has played in some great teams and played alongside some of the best that have crossed the white line – players like Dan Carter, Darren Lockyer, Richie McCaw, Andrew Johns, Glen Lazarus, Bradley Clyde, Laurie Daley and Steve Renouf.
Thorn debuted for the Brisbane Broncos back in 1994, the days when players were striving to get their hand on the Winfield Cup – that’s right, back when the in goals were splashed in red on grand final day. Unfortunately for Thorn, he didn’t play in the grand final that year, but it was only a matter of time.
In 200 first grade games for the Brisbane Broncos, Thorn went on to win four premierships, 1997 (SL), 1998, 2000 and 2006.
Thorn managed to represent the Maroons 14 times (three SL) and played eight times for the Kangaroos (five SL). His rugby league career stretched from 1994-00 and 2005-07.
So when Thorn decides to switch codes, where does he go? None other then the Canterbury Crusaders, the most successful team in Super Rugby history. Thorn played for the Crusaders 77 times and won two Super Rugby tournaments in 2002 and 2008.
As a current New Zealand All Black, Thorn has 50-plus caps to his name, and this fairytale is still going. He has won three Tri Nations trophies, 2003, 2008 and 2010. I’ve lost track with the number of Bledisloe titles he has won, but the one trophy Thorn that has eluded him up until now is the Webb Ellis cup.
Is it Thorn’s time to finally get his hands on Bill? Bill or no Bill, one thing is assured; post footy career, Thorn is going to be busy getting around to all the reunions.
Well done, Brad Thorn. Fascinating career.
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