Andrew Symonds is serving out his suspension from the Australian team by training with his hometown rugby side, the Broncos, who are gunning for their 18th straight final in the National Rugby League. Symonds is famously passionate about rugby - to the extent of shoulder-charging a spectator who invaded the field at the Gabba - and one of his most recent public appearances was at a Gold Coast Titans game soon after flying back from England following his ban.

Broncos coach Ivan Henjak said he was happy to have Symonds’ international experience at hand and said he was not a disruption to his players. “It’s been nothing but positive from my end, I’m very happy to have him here,” Henjak was quoted as saying in Australia’s Daily Telegraph. “… having his presence around is good for everyone. He has a wealth of experience of playing top-level sport, he has a lot to offer. He’s played cricket at highest level. That experience is invaluable, no matter what sport you play.”

Symonds, who was banned by Cricket Australia after breaking a alcohol ban just before the World Twenty20 in England, has said he considered switching sports and joining the Broncos back in 2002. But an unexpected Australian call-up to the World Cup squad in 2003 made him stay with cricket.