Thorn in side a plus for Country
BRAD Thorn is set to make his starting debut for Queensland Country in their National Rugby Championship clash with NSW Country in Toowoomba today.
It comes just a week after the 41-year-old former World Cup-winning All Black and Australian rugby league star came off the bench in his first appearance for the side in their Round 5, 50-46 loss to Western Sydney Rams.
The Queensland Country assistant coach watched his side slump to four straight losses to start the season but was unable to lift the team to their first win despite his inclusion last week.
The lock will replace the injured Phil Potgieter and is one of three changes coach Toutai Kefu has made to the side that will also welcome in loosehead prop Ben Daley and winger Liam Jurd.
Kefu said Thorn’s inclusion would provide crucial experience to a team who are yet to record a victory.
“While we didn’t get the result last week, the team played some really good passages of rugby and we’ve tried to keep some consistency in the starting team,” Kefu said.
“It will be a great chance for many of our young players to learn from him directly on field, an experience that is invaluable.
“Jurd has been working towards this game after making his debut against the Sydney Rays in Round 3.
“He can’t wait for the chance to play in front of his family and friends at home in Toowoomba.”