Ken Thornett

Rugby League

Ken Thornett made his name in rugby league after joining the famous English club Leeds. At both Leeds and Parramatta, the club he returned to in 1963, he was known as 'The Mayor'.

Strong and forceful, with good hands, he was among the best of all Australian fullbacks. It is said English bookies gave up on giving odds on when he would drop a ball.

Ken Thornett made his Test debut in the series against New Zealand in 1963, scoring a decisive try in the 14-0 Third Test win at the SCG to give Australia the series.

He played 13 Tests in all for Australia, and was the first Australian fullback to score a Test try on a Kangaroo tour.

Ken Thornett was named one of 20 Leeds Legends in 2000 and one of 13 Legends for Parramatta in 2002. A grandstand at Parramatta Stadium has been named in his honour.