He played for Manly-Warringah the New South Wales Rugby League (NSWRL) competition.
He played his junior rugby league with Harbord United before being graded by Manly.
Over the next couple of seasons, Thoroughgood was mainly used as a reserve or featured in the occasional game for Manly but was selected to play for the club in their 1975 finals campaign.
In the second half and with 10 minutes remaining, Parramatta made a play to the right hand side of the field and the ball eventually reached Neville Glover.
In the final five minutes Manly held on after a Parramatta onslaught to win the premiership 13–10.