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#75 | Brad Thorn | All Blacks Culture, 4x NRL Premierships & World Cup Pressure

Backstage with Cooper & Matty Johns

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Brad Thorn joins us for a deep dive into winning, pressure and elite sporting culture. From the ’98 Kangaroos tour and Wayne Bennett to All Blacks standards, SBW, Carter v Lockyer and World Cup glory.
A rare look at mindset, anxiety, leadership and why the job — always — is to win.

Brad Thorn Book - Check It Out Below
https://www.booktopia.com.au/champion...

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Timestamps
0:00 Welcome Brad Thorn
5:30 Australian Tour 98’
9:00 Wayne Bennett & Craig Bellamy
14:00 Alfie Langer
16:00 Kelvin Giles
18:00 Broncos Success
25:30 High Stakes
30:00 Culture & Physical Shift
38:00 Different Games
44:00 SBW & Crusaders
46:00 Job Is To Win
49:00 All Blacks Culture
53:00 Carter v Lockyer
55:00 2011 World Cup Pressure & Success
1:01:00 Coaching
1:06:00 Anxiety
1:14:40 King Of The Ring

20 Comments

@amitprasad1298 8 months ago (edited) Pinned

Unquestionably the greatest duel code crossover ever. He literally had to learn rugby again and play as a lock for one of the greatest sporting institutions ever. People don't understand how hard it is making the transition from league to union especially playing as a forward. He played under the best coaches in both codes and some of the greatest players in both codes. And literally won everything.

@Hunty_31 8 months ago

To go from one code to another is one thing. To go from an edge/back rower to a tight 5/lock position and play it at an all-time level is another. Legend

@brentbecroft2890 8 months ago (edited)

I could listen to this bloke talk for 10 hours non stop. What an absolutely brilliant interview.

@Satisfiedwithlonglife 8 months ago

One of the best sports interviews ive ever watched. The fact Thorny can compare all time greats from both codes really shows what a career he's had. Seems like a top bloke too.

@TWOSBPODCAST 8 months ago

Brad Thorn could genuinely be one of the greatest players to ever cross rugby league and rugby union. The word legend gets thrown around far too easily, but in Brad Thorn’s case, it fits — every single time.

@Pogaivi15 8 months ago

Easily the best poddy you guys have done. Thorny one of the GOATS

@virtualplumbing7471 8 months ago

A legend of a man...
Hard, professional, loyal bloke,one of the best.
Thank you so much, for putting in that All Black jersey and winning that World cup for us...
Couldn't of done it, without you mate.
Wish you all the best for the future big fella

@patshort177 8 months ago

The way he talks about the battle as a lock on the tighhead side...... never heard someone describe it so well.

What a gent.

@Zaphoe-o8k 8 months ago

When you look back it’s not surprising that the teams he was involved in had success. Yes great players around him in both codes. But Brad thorn walks into any team in the world. World class bloke

@ljawgtn1393 8 months ago

Could listen to this guy all day. Both NZ and Aus. lucky to share him.
League player, union slayer, inspiring, stand-up, man o' faith, legend Brad Thorn - you're it!

@cozzmo0472 7 months ago

You’d feel unbeatable if you were lacing up the boots next to this bloke. What a legend.

@yenzooo 8 months ago

The man’s resume is absolutely wild! Best episode to date I reckon, probably the greatest dual code player of all time. Loved Thorny as an Aussie even when he was with the all blacks.

@Joso-d3s 8 months ago

What an AMAZING man , one of the BEST athletes of his era , and an inspiration in life and overcoming life’s struggles/challenges. Brad your as much of a champion in retirement as you were on the field.

@Option777 8 months ago

I have to say that was one of the best yet guys, as a kiwi and league fan I look at Brad as the pinnacle of what a true professional is all about… refreshing to have interviewers let the guest speak and get their points across uninterrupted. Well done, roll on 2026🤙🏼

@ucesaftf9383 8 months ago

The absolute legend of a man Brad Thorn. The GOAT crossover athlete in my opinion. God fearing man and it showed throughout his career 🔥

@Ronanclipit 8 months ago

Thorney's humility is truly staggering. If I tie my laces the right way I'm walking around like a peacock. This guy has won everything and then some but it's really his humility that shines through in this interview, what a career, what a bloke.