Rugby League: Thurston wants war cry to rival haka

Johnathan Thurston wants to see the Kangaroos revive a pre-match war cry. Photo / Getty

Kangaroos playmaker Johnathan Thurston wants the Kangaroos to match the Kiwis' haka with a pre-match war cry of their own.

For six decades the Australian national team began games with an indigenous chant, last used by the Kangaroos 47 years ago.

And Thurston has consulted Kangaroos teammates about reviving the routine, following the suit of not only the Kiwis but Tonga, Fiji, Samoa and PNG.

"I'd definitely love to see it happen," Thurston told the Courier Mail. "Look at the rep round we have this weekend - we are the only nation that doesn't have a traditional dance.

"You look at Tonga, Samoa, Fiji, PNG, they all have their dances that mean something and the Kiwis have their haka.

"Out of the six nations playing this week, we don't have anything."

It was unlikely the war cry would be instituted in Friday night's Anzac test against the Kiwis, but Thurston said performing the chant was his dream before retiring from rugby league.

The chant previously used by the Kangaroos came included words: "We are a race of fighters, descended from the War Gods ... The Kangaroo is dangerous when at bay."