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BRISBANE - Former Brisbane Broncos league club forward Brad Thorn hasn't ruled out pulling on an All Black jersey again after announcing he'd return to rugby to play for the Crusaders next season.
While the 32 year-old forward and dual international said playing for New Zealand wasn't driving him like it was when he left rugby league to play the 15-man game in 2001, he would not turn his back on such an honour if it came his way.
"One of the things about going back is to play with my mates over there again and try and win another title with them," said Thorn, one of five Broncos players leaving the National Rugby League club.
"If things went well for me, and they considered me, I wouldn't say no, that's for sure.
"But it's not my main goal."
Thorn, who was released by the Broncos, had close to six months weighing up offers for 2007.
He ruled out playing for another Australian rugby league club but there were offers from English Super League clubs and European rugby clubs to consider.
In the end, he decided to return to his native New Zealand and play for the Crusaders rather than risk playing in Europe where his contract would be conditional on him completing an allocated number of games.
Dunedin-born Thorn, won the NPC first division title with Canterbury and helped defend the Ranfurly Shield Shield in 2001.
He stunned everyone in 2002 when he declined selection in the All Blacks squad to tour France - a decision he made because he felt he hadn't earned his rapid elevation into New Zealand's most revered sporting team.
He eventually achieved his childhood dream though in 2003, playing for the All Blacks in their failed World Cup bid.
Thorn said he expected to be again playing under Robbie Deans, the Crusaders coach who's been mentioned as a candidate to become the first non-Australian to coach the Wallabies.
"Who knows what is going to happen with all the coaching stuff, but at the moment, I expect Deans to be coaching the Crusaders," said Thorn.
Thorn is not a fan of "outsiders" coaching national teams.
"Personally I like the national coach being from the country," he said.
"You're representing the jersey and the passion that goes with it.
"I would like to see the Wallabies have an Australian coach."
Thorn will enjoy a bit more the Brisbane sunshine before heading to New Zealand late next month.
- AAP
