League: Origin tonic for Thorn

When Brad Thorn took the ball for his first hit-up in four years recently, the rugby league fraternity had more than a passing interest in how he fared.

He had clearly succeeded in making the transition from Queensland and Australian league star to All Black but could he come full circle and be a success in league again?

It didn't take long for observers to find out. In nine games with a resurgent Broncos, a 30-year-old, trimmer version of the second-rower had rediscovered something of his best form and found himself in the Queensland side for State of Origin I a fortnight ago.

"I wasn't sure how it was going to be but it's panned out really well," Thorn said, perhaps hinting at how he's even surprised himself. "My body didn't forget too quickly what the game is like."

The representative selectors obviously hadn't forgotten either, remembering him as a dynamic, reliable and skilful player.

But Thorn heads into Origin II on Wednesday with something of a cloud as he battles a sternum injury he picked up in the first encounter, won by Queensland in extra time. He'll also shift into the front row in the absence of injured Warriors skipper and man of the match from the first game, Steve Price.

"I don't think it should be too different for me [playing at prop]," he explained. "I've been playing like a front-rower anyway." Thorn is often utilised by Brisbane and Queensland coach Wayne Bennett as a third battering ram in his Broncos side.

Fortunately for the Dunedin-born, Brisbane-raised veteran of three tests for Australia, Thorn hasn't embarrassed himself by trying to clear out a tackler or laying the ball back for the halfback to clear as he did time and again as a rugby player. It hasn't meant his instincts haven't told him to do these things but he worked hard over the pre-season to "get it out of the system".

He still hasn't got rugby out of the system, however, and admits to feeling nostalgic when the Crusaders collected their fifth Super 12 title recently, especially considering he didn't pick up a winners medal during his time in Christchurch.

"It was always a tough decision to come back to league and I think I made the right one," he said from Sydney as the Queensland side prepared for Wednesday night. "I'd have been equally happy to be part of the Super 12 win as playing State of Origin again. I also would have loved to have been part of the Lions tour. Hopefully the guys can finish on top.

"I loved my time in Christchurch but I'm looking forward to a few more good years in Brisbane."

Thorn can really only remember good years in Brisbane considering he was part of the Broncos dynasty that won titles in 1997, 98 and 2000. In fact, Thorn is the leading 'winner' in the NRL having won 104 of his 142 career matches to leave him with a win record of 73 per cent.

He's not had such a happy time in State of Origin and Queensland's victory a fortnight ago was only Thorn's second in 10 games. Furthermore, he was also the subject of controversy when Queensland and Australian league personality Arthur Beetson gave the selectors a serve for picking Thorn and fellow exile Tonie Carroll, who had stints with both Australia and New Zealand before swearing his allegiance back to the Kangaroos. "He's entitled to his opinion," Thorn said diplomatically.

In many ways, it must feel to Thorn like he's hardly been away considering he's like a familiar piece of old furniture. A handy piece, that is, and one that's a comfortable fit.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY