inspired by his NRL idols Johnathan Thurston and Matty Bowen. That decision led him to trainer Stephen Pitt, who saw something special in the young athlete. 'When he first sparred in my gym ...

"To lose him so young was a massive thing but I look at ... Rankin isn't fazed by taking on Test and Origin star Thurston. "It's going to be a good challenge for me. If you're going to be the ...

Bulldog: What is your advice to any young player? Thurston: Rugby league can give you so much and you can't take it for granted. If you do, you could lose it. You do all the little things right ...