Sad news today that the last remaining of the Thornett brothers, John, passed away aged 83.
A former Wallaby captain and Australian water polo player, his death represents the end of arguably the most talented trio of brothers that Australia has ever been gifted,
https://www.theherald.com.au/story/5836469/ex-wallaby-captain-john-thornett-dies/
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Condolences to his family and friends! The Thornett's have left behind a great legacy!
Wondering how many of you all, actually saw the Thornett brothers play?
Very sad news, I remember how excited I was when there was a chance that John would play for us as well, but he stayed loyal to the Rah-Rahs
Many times there Phil
Vale the Thornetts. Condolences to the family. I asked my Dad if he would take me to the footy to watch the Thornetts play for Parramatta when I was very young. He did and Parra were beaten but that started the bonding. I don't know why I took a liking to them and The Bear but watching them play every week became a lifestyle rather than a hobby. Dad took us everywhere to watch from that point on. We will never see the likes of that kind of charisma again. How many kids these days ask their parents to take them to see a particular player? I still think Hayne can do it if he can come back later this year.
One of the first games I attended. Childhood hero Ken Thornett.
Nothing silly there twin they were great players and we were privileged to be able to see them hey
1962/1963 was my bonding period to the Eels starting with Ron Lynch who lived nearby and frequented my parents large milk-bar come grocery store and take away food. @ Rydalmere. Through Dad, Ron Lynch introduced me to many Eels players, particularly Ken & Dick Thornett. I can't remember if I ever met John Thornett. Going to Cumberland, SCG and the Sydney Sports Ground to watch Ron, Ken & Dick running out for the Eels were heavenly like experiences of pure ecstasy. My greatest memory of them all was at the Sydney Sports Ground (knocked down to become the Sydney Sports Stadium 1988 come Allianz), on a rainy day and seeing Dick Thornett drop a field goal from close to the sideline and right near the halfway mark and If I remember correctly, it happened just before half time, and I think we were playing the Roosters but it could have been another team. Lots of ABC live, Saturday afternoon games were played there back then, late 60's, early-mid 70's and any team could be playing any other team and not just against the roosters because it was their home ground. That field goal inspired me to become a skilled goal kicker and drop goal specialist and I practiced and practiced and practiced until I became an ace goal kicker, etc.
Ross Conlon with goal kicking until he dislocated his hip. One hell of a huge long distance kicker, mid to late 80's.
Jarryd Hayne, but from 30 meters out kicked a field goal from near the sideline
I remember watching Ken and Dick play but I wasn't into Union at all in those days so I never saw John play. I remember Dick drop kicking penalty goals back in the sixties, I'm pretty sure I can anyway. Can anyone else confirm that?
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