A new book entitled The Natural: Richard 'Dick' Thornett is a remarkable biography of one of Australia's most gifted and versatile athletes.
It tells the story of a man who excelled at the highest levels in three sports for Australia—water polo, rugby union, and rugby league—at a time when such feats were nearly unheard of.
Richard 'Dick' Thornett was a phenomenon. By the time he was 22, he had:
- Represented Australia in water polo at the Rome Olympics,
- Worn the green and gold for the Wallabies on a rugby union tour of South Africa,
- Switched codes to rugby league, where he starred for the Kangaroos and became one of the most dominant forwards of his era.
A natural-born athlete with a rare combination of size, strength, and skill, Thornett's sporting journey is the stuff of legend.
Yet, beyond his remarkable achievements on the field and in the pool, The Natural explores the man himself—his relationships, his struggles, and his enduring and unique legacy in Australian sport.
Through meticulous research and rich storytelling, authors Brendan Morris and Stephan Wellink offer a compelling and deeply personal portrait of Thornett. The book brings to life his golden years in the 1960s and places his story in the broader context of an era when sport was transitioning into professionalism, making his achievements even more extraordinary.
Featuring previously unseen family photographs and first-hand accounts, The Natural is an essential read for sports lovers, historians, and anyone who appreciates the story of an athlete whose talent transcended a single code.
The Natural: Richard 'Dick' Thornett is released on March 25, 2025, and is available as a paperback and e-book from good bookstores and Fair Play Publishing.
Key Facts:
Richard 'Dick' Thornett represented Australia in three sports: water polo, rugby union, and rugby league.
Authors Brendan Morris and Stephan Wellink will appear at the Manly Writers' Festival on Saturday 29th March, in conversation with author and journalist, Tim Ayliffe.
About us:
About Brendan Morris and Stephan Wellink Brendan Morris, an English teacher with 35 years of experience in teaching and coaching various sports, and Stephan Wellink, a filmmaker and writer known for his feature documentaries. Together, they bring their profound connection to the subject, offering an unparalleled perspective on Richard Thornett's life.
About Fair Play Publishing Fair Play Publishing was established in 2018 by FIFA whistleblower and former executive from the government and non-profit sectors, Bonita Mersiades, who is also the founder of the Manly Writers' Festival. Fair Play Publishing has since published more than 70 books and is Australia's biggest publisher of non-fiction football books. Fair Play Publishing is the principal imprint dedicated to sports non-fiction. Other imprints are Popcorn Press (fiction) and Pepper Press (books about life).
