Brad Thorn‘s decision to leave the Brisbane Broncos after winning a third premiership with the club in 2000 shocked many at the time. But his late father’s words about representing the All Blacks burned bright, and master coach Wayne Bennett was more than happy to help his trusted general realise a sporting dream.
Thorn was only 25 when he switched from the NRL to rugby union in 2001. He’d already won three grand finals with Bennett in Brisbane, and also represented the Maroons and Australia. Sadly, Thorn’s father passed away in 1995 and didn’t get to witness a lot of that success after spending years instilling the hard work and discipline that would go on to define his son’s extraordinary career.
Broncos legend Brad Thorn says Wayne Bennett’s phone call helped him realise a childhood rugby dream of playing for the All Blacks. Pic: AAP
“My father, he was a real motivator for me,” Thorn told Yahoo Sport Australia ahead of the release of his new book, ‘Champions Do Extra’. “He helped me switch on as a teenager and progress by bringing some resilience and work ethic to the talent I had.”
Thorn had a modest upbringing in the south of New Zealand and knew nothing about rugby league when he moved to Australia as a kid. But after settling down with his family in Queensland, he quickly fell in love with the sport.
He struggled to crack into rep teams as a teenager though and it led to some tough love from his old man. Told he wasn’t fit enough and that his dad would stop driving him around to practice and games if he didn’t go on a run through a local state forest, something finally “clicked”.
Brad Thorn won four premierships with the Brisbane Broncos over two incredible stints in the NRL. Pic: Getty
(Adam Pretty via Getty Images)
Thorn said: “That was the turning point, I went and did that run… and I just brought that mindset and discipline with me wherever I went. You start getting reward for that effort and it really builds belief.”
Thorn’s book contains quotes from a who’s who of league and rugby legends who all hail the dual international as one of the hardest trainers they’ve ever seen. His uncompromising standards, drive and determination were also a perfect match with Bennett at the Broncos.
“Wayne was all about that mindset… playing for your mates, competing every play,” Thorn said. “Obviously, he had a big influence on my career. I spent 10 years under him and couldn’t help but feel impacted, he’s one of the great coaches.”
Wayne Bennett played a key role in former Broncos star Brad Thorn’s switch from the NRL to rugby union in 2001. Pic: Getty
Wayne Bennett helped Brad Thorn realise his rugby dream
But in 2001, Thorn decided to heed his late father’s words and have a crack at making the All Blacks. And it was Bennett’s phone call to connections at the Crusaders that helped convince Thorn to move to Christchurch, where he’d go on to win two NPC titles, and represent the All Blacks at the 2003 Rugby World Cup.
“One thing my dad said is ‘if you get some stuff done in league, there’s talk of rugby going professional,'” Thorn recalled. ‘Maybe you could go over and have a crack and chase that dream. So I always carried that and I was fortunate to be part of that Broncos team that got some stuff done.”
Thorn returned to the Broncos for a second stint in 2005 after switching back from rugby, and helped Brisbane claim another NRL premiership in 2006. He left the Broncos for a second and final time after the 2007 season and remarkably went on to play for eight more seasons in rugby union.
Those years were laden with trophies including a Super Rugby title with the Crusaders, Heineken Cup with Irish side Leinster, and a second and third tri-nations trophy with New Zealand. But the 2011 Rugby World Cup triumph with the All Blacks was the crowning glory and the realisation of a childhood dream.
Brad Thorn (centre) celebrates with All Blacks teammates after their 2011 Rugby World Cup triumph. Pic: Getty
(Tim Clayton via Getty Images)
Brad Thorn’s book Champions Do Extra was published by HarperCollins and is set to be released on January 28.