BIG Australian gridiron player Adrian Thomas is back in Sydney, having decided to switch to rugby union in the 2012 season.
The one-time, 135-kilogram hulk from the University of Hawaii team has managed to strip off 12 kilograms in an effort to make his presence felt in the 15-a-side game with Southern Districts.
Thomas, 24 is embarking on a new career by accident.
He played junior rugby league growing up, with Gymea Gorillas, but by 14 years, his sheer size resulted in him steering towards gridiron, and he moved through the ranks with local club, Sutherland Seahawks.
By the time Thomas left Gymea High, he had a scholarship to study and play with University of Hawaii, in front of crowds of more than 50,000.
"I really enjoyed my five years," said Thomas, who became a big attraction for college footy fans in the US who often waited hours just to see him, and grab an autograph.
"It is just a shame circumstances beyond my control didn't allow me to take the next big step," Thomas said.
Last year, he looked set to be picked up in the National Football League draft, before the code came to a grinding halt because of the infamous NFL player lockout.
"I had some good feelers from [NFL] clubs such as Baltimore and Chicago," he said at Forshaw Rugby Park, Sylvania Waters, before another training session.
"But that all went out the window with the lockout."
As it dragged on, Thomas even considered moving to Europe to play rugby professionally.
But friend Paul Graham jnr, a Sutherland Seahawks player, convinced him to return to Sydney.
Graham's dad, Paul snr, the former Mr Australia and bodybuilding guru, employed him as a trainer at his company.
Thomas and Paul jnr are training for the Sydney Shute Shield rugby season which kicks off in a month.
