Homesick Thorn saddles up for return to Broncos

By WYNNE GRAY

Homesickness may push Canterbury rugby convert Brad Thorn back to his previous sporting career as a Brisbane Bronco.

Thorn won a rugby league premiership with the Broncos last season and then switched codes to play in the Super 12 for the Crusaders and NPC for Canterbury.

It seems the 26-year-old Thorn is missing life in Brisbane and may invoke a clause in his contract which allows him to return to rugby league at the end of this year.

Crusaders' boss Steve Tew confirmed the out-clause in the deal.

"The contract we have with him gives him the ability to make a decision at the end of the year, which is what he wanted."

Asked whether the Broncos could re-sign Thorn and stay under their salary cap, Broncos chief executive Shane Edwards said cash had not been an issue for Thorn when he swapped to rugby. "Money wasn't a factor and never has been with Brad. At this stage he would understand that there's not much money around."

Thorn played at lock for Canterbury in their 20-9 loss to North Harbour on Friday. He battles captain Todd Blackadder, and All Blacks Norm Maxwell and Chris Jack for a starting place against Otago this weekend.

"We had no excuses," coach Steve Hansen said of the defeat. "We hang our hat on performing and we did not do that. The key thing is we have to learn from this."