Ken Thornett
Fullback
Player Bio
- Inducted:
- 2002
- Date of Birth:
- 27 November 1937
- Birthplace:
- Waverley, NSW
- Nickname:
- The Mayor
- Debut Team:
- Leeds
- Date:
- 20 May 1962
- Opposition:
- -
- Venue:
- Headingley, Leeds
- Representative:
- City, New South Wales, Australia
- Club:
- Leeds, Parramatta Eels
Career
Milestones
- NSWRL Player of the Year: 1966
- Kangaroo Tour: 1963-64
- Sun-Herald Best and Fairest: 1965
- Rated No. 29 in Rugby League Week’s Top 100 players: 1992
Biography
Ken Thornett, from a renowned sporting family with brothers, John (a Wallaby captain) and Dick (a multi-sport Australian representative), had a lasting influence on the Parramatta club.
Known as "The Mayor", Ken went to England to be a wool classer and joined Leeds.
He revolutionised the fullback position with his fearless running and sharp game awareness. On the field, he was a dynamic force - a tenacious defender, a constant attacking threat, and a player who would leap into the air to save kicks and keep the ball in play.
In 1962, Ken returned to Australia and joined Parramatta for seven games and became an institution at fullback. His presence helped lead the club to their first-ever finals appearance that year, after finishing last in the competition for six consecutive seasons (1956-1961).
Ken served as the Captain-Coach of the Eels from 1965 to 1966, then departed the club after the 1968 season. His return for the 1971 season saw Parramatta qualify for the semi-finals again.
The Club's NRL Player of the Year is named in his honour - the Ken Thornett Medal.
Hall of Fame Members
Parramatta Eels respect and honour the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.