Retired stars Drew Mitchell (Waratahs), Andrew Walker (Brumbies), Adam Freier (Rebels), Carlos Spencer (Blues), Carl Hayman (Pau) and Pita Alatini (Highlanders) will all feature at Suncorp Stadium as wildcards.
Thorn said he had given his players licence to "unleash" with chip kicks, trick plays and whatever else they deemed necessary to exploit the extra open space.
"If it would be me out there, I know I'd want to try a few things," he said.
"Super Rugby is so serious, all that pre-season, the pressure around the game ... this is a great environment just to crack in.
"I've really encouraged amongst the whole group to improve their skillset and we'll see what we see."
Former Crusaders coach Robbie Deans chats with Brad Thorn during a training session in 2008. Photo / Photosport.
Deans, who coached Thorn for years at the Crusaders, tipped him to be a success in his new role and said he always seemed destined for that future.
"Right from the start, he was learned, he wanted to learn the fundamentals and how to master a circumstance and he showed that the way he mastered set piece," Deans said. "Blokes that think like that ... most (of them) tend to go on and coach.
"Brad's a competitor, so he'll make a plan, commit and I'd just encourage those he does identify to commit with him because he likes to win."
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