Panthers v Broncos preview
6 hours ago | Rhys Sullivan
Brisbane Broncos stand in skipper, Petero Civoniceva, rates the 2005 version of Brad Thorn a more daunting prospect for rival sides than the one that left the code for rugby union in 2000.
Civoniceva said Thorn's presence would make up for the loss of Gorden Tallis after he returned from his four-year stint across the Tasman bigger and stronger than ever.
The towering forward also issued a warning to the league's next generation of superstars - including Bulldogs sensation Sonny-Bill Williams - to be on their guard when they come up against the former All Black.
"He's a monster of a man," Civoniceva said.
"I don't know if he got taller or wider but he certainly hasn't lost any strength in the gym.
"Gordie's such a big loss on and off the field and we're going to lose a bit of seniority but I don't think we're losing anything with Thorny coming back.
"I know he's going to look forward to taking on some of these new stars of the game."
Thorn, who played 12 Tests for the All Blacks in 2003, was set to make his long-awaited return to league last weekend in Bundaberg.
But a hamstring injury forced him out of the side that played Souths on Saturday night as well as this weekend's match against Melbourne.
Civoniceva said Thorn was likely to be back in time for Brisbane's final trial game against Canberra in Toowoomba on February 26.
"He's not too far away," he said.
"It was a bit unfortunate for the big fella because he's been training really well since he came back from New Zealand and I know the boys have really enjoyed having him back.
"It's a bit of a disruption for him but hopefully in the next week or two he'll be back on the field."
Brisbane coach Wayne Bennett has included four rookies in his side to take on a near full-strength Storm outfit at Carrara.
Young guns Berrick Barnes, John Te Reo, Joe Clarke and Steven Michaels will all get an opportunity to show their wares in a Broncos jersey for the first time.
Civoniceva said he was looking forward to playing next to the club's young guns and would try to lead by example during his second stint as captain.
The Queensland and Australian prop led the club against the Wests Tigers in round 24 last year.
"Quite a few of them got to play in the trial in Bundaberg last week and by all reports they went really well," he said.
"Me being one of the older guys at the club I'm really looking forward to getting out there with those young guys and seeing what they can do.
"I don't really talk too much on the field, I'm usually catching my breath, so I'll just be leading the young fellas by my work out the front."