He has already tasted plenty of success in both rugby codes on both sides of the Tasman - but those involved in Brad Thorn's footballing career say he fully deserves to bow out with his greatest victory tomorrow.
The veteran dual international, 36, is just the second man to represent Australia in rugby league and New Zealand in rugby union.
He has also won State of Origin matches with Queensland and titles with the Brisbane Broncos in league, and with Canterbury and the Crusaders in union.
League coaching great Wayne Bennett, who coached Thorn at the Brisbane Broncos and first saw him in action as an 18-year-old, said anybody who had known Thorn would be backing him this weekend.
"There wouldn't be an exception to the rule there ... No one wants him to be denied now. It'll be just a little bit more icing on the cake.
