Ken Thornett v Jarryd Hayne

Is Thornett still the Eels greatest fullback? Currently in the Eels greatest team in the number 1 position. Just curious if the Parramatta Eels club still regards Thornett as the best.

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  • It's a team sport.
    JH is a great player at origin level. He is a big reason we won the last series we won

    But at club level he is just entertainment

    He does not have what it takes to be part of a winning club Team
  • Jayne is not worthy to blow the froth of The Mayor's beer.

  • This reply was deleted.
    • Never knew that. Awesome Slug and thanks!!

      What an image!!! This was an era were play was dirty, with eye-gouging, dirt rubbing, spear tackles and punches being thrown every 5 minutes.

    • This reply was deleted.
      • This reply was deleted.
        • He came back a few years later though didn't he?

    • Really loved the way Thornett played the game. Also wouldn't mind seeing that same jersey next year for the home games and the same emblem!
  • I asked my grandfather this question two years ago. He watched Thornett in his heyday and watched Hayne at his best. He still ranks Thornett above Hayne. His reasons being that Thornett was able to hold the Australian fullback position over Graeme Langlands in the mid-60s, something Hayne was never able to do, always playing on the wing or at centre for Australia. Also that Thornett was able to come out of retirement and drag Parramatta single-handedly into the top 4. 

    Interestingly though he did draw the parallel between the two in that rules in the game had to be changed due to their brilliance. The NSWRL had to change the rule that you couldn't stand outside the field of play to bat the ball back in field because Thornett was so good at it. And that the NRL introduced the 7 tackle set to prevent teams kicking the ball dead against Hayne in order to prevent his kick returns. 

    My grandfather said that he ranks Thornett as the best Eel of all time. Then, pretty much evenly ranks Sterling, Kenny and Hayne below him. He said in terms of talent he thinks Hayne has it over Kenny in that Hayne's best came in a team far less cohesive and as great as Kenny's sides but Kenny's longevity at Parramatta and his relationship with Sterlo means he ranks them about equal.

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    • Hi Tad I was there that day also.I loved the Thornetts

  • You just sit back and wonder what Jarryd Hayne could've been. If he had the mental application and mental toughness of a Cam smith or Slater, i believe he would've been up there with the all time greats. Oh what could've been.

    Thornett is an absolute legend end of story.

    The future does look bright in terms of fullbacks with Gutherson and French. I really believe these 2 players are the future of our club and will be in the blue and gold for many years to come. 

  • Lol
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