[1] John Thorley played at prop in all four of Great Britain's 1954 Rugby League World Cup matches, including Great Britain's 16-12 victory over France in the 1954 Rugby League World Cup Final at Parc des Princes, Paris on 13 November 1954.
John Thorley also represented Great Britain while at Halifax between 1952 and 1956 against France (1 non-Test match).
[5] John Thorley played at prop in Halifax's 4-4 draw with Warrington in the 1953–54 Challenge Cup Final during the 1953–54 season at Wembley Stadium, London on Saturday 24 April 1954, in front of a crowd of 81,841, and played at prop in the 4-8 defeat by Warrington in the 1953–54 Challenge Cup Final replay during the 1953–54 season at Odsal Stadium, Bradford on Wednesday 5 May 1954, in front of a record crowd of 102,575 or more.
[7] John Thorley's marriage to Avona M. (née Rathmell (birth registered during third ¼ 1931 (age 93–94) in Pontypridd district)), a teacher and active in the British Polio Fellowship, was registered during fourth ¼ 1952 in Pontypridd district.
[8] They had children; Steven M. S. Thorley (birth registered during third ¼ 1953 (age 71–72) in Calder district), and Elizabeth Anna Thorley (birth registered during fourth ¼ 1954 (age 70–71) in Halifax district).