Thorn gets special Eden Park goodbye

By WYNNE GRAY

New Zealand rugby legend Fred Allen looked up at Brad Thorn and warmly tapped the lock's enormous frame.

The pair exchanged words under the Eden Park grandstand, one with every rugby credential imaginable, the other about to return to his former league career with the Brisbane Broncos.

It was a scene which would not have been played out too many years ago by the rival codes.

But these were two men whose bond was sporting appreciation.

Allen complimented Thorn on Canterbury's 28-20 victory even though it meant an NPC series exit for his beloved Auckland.

The "Needle" also offered Thorn tributes about his time in rugby and best wishes for his second bite at the Broncos.

It was a special farewell from Eden Park for the 29-year-old hulking forward. Not long before, Thorn had signed off by applauding his personal cheerleaders in the crowd, a group who, for reasons he did not comprehend, followed him round with a "Brad Thorn is Our Dad" sign.

But in that message about fatherhood lay part of the reason behind Thorn's decision to return to the Broncos at the end of this NPC season. He and his wife have a son and another child expected in February. The grandparents live in Brisbane.

"When I announced I was going to the Broncos, I got interviewed by the media for about 15 minutes about my family, the All Blacks, how it all was and the hard decision and all they did was show on the news that I didn't make the All Blacks and I am off."

Thorn said that gave the wrong impression about his departure.

His exit was not a case of sour grapes or financial insecurity, it was much more complex.

"There are so many reasons why I am sad about going but I am just soaking it up as much as I can because in a month's time I will be in Aussie and it will all be over."

Thorn played 12 tests for the All Blacks, fulfilling a lifelong dream for the kid from Mosgiel who grew up in Brisbane. He scored a try in his last test against France at the World Cup and his last game against Auckland on Eden Park on Saturday.

He was especially grateful to Canterbury.

"The guys have been a great help because they had to accept me as a leaguey. You have got to remember I am a leaguey who came over and they could have made it hard for me.

"I also know a lot of these Auckland guys. I have got good mates in that team and that is what will always be special about having played rugby in New Zealand."

And you suspect the valediction from the "Needle" will be a singular memory for someone with the rare distinction of being a dual international.

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