Link finds right-hand man with Reds
By Jim Morton, 20 Oct 2009 Jim Morton is a Roar Pro
- Tagged:
- Digby Ioane, Ewen McKenzie, Jim McKay, Peter Hynes, Quade Cooper, Reds, Rugby Union, Super Rugby, Will Genia
New Queensland coach Ewen McKenzie has found his right-hand man with the unheralded Jim McKay to guide the Reds exciting backline in next year’s Super 14.
McKay, a former Sydney clubmate of McKenzie’s at Randwick, will end a 14-year coaching stint in the United Kingdom to join the former Waratahs coach at Ballymore.
Described by former Wallabies mentor Bob Dwyer as a genuine hands-on coach and humble character, the 42-year-old former winger is currently in charge of the Leicester Academy.
Before that the Reds new backs and defence coach led the Cornish Pirates and worked at Rotherham.
McKenzie, appointed as head coach 10 days ago ahead of John Connolly, told his new players about McKay at the Reds induction day at Ballymore on Monday.
In a new structure, Queensland will also have three consultant coaches in former Wallabies Tim Horan, Alec Evans and Pat Howard.
McKenzie, to take charge of the Reds forwards, will tap into the vast knowledge of “scrum doctor” Evans, whose coaching contribution to Queensland rugby dates back more than four decades.
McKay inherits a backline which includes Wallabies Will Genia, Quade Cooper, Digby Ioane, Peter Hynes and Richard Kingi.
Melbourne Storm three-quarter Will Chambers is expected to immediately vie for a starting place but has been given extra time to overcome a taxing NRL season before starting training next month.
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reds fan said | October 20th 2009 @ 8:04am | Report comment
So far so good. Keep it going Link. Between you and Alec Evans our forwards will make great strides.
Hendo said | October 20th 2009 @ 11:44am | Report comment
Lets hope so. Even without Berrick our backline is still looking ok – even more so if Norm Turinui can have a good year. The Forwards are definitely a concern.
Who Needs Melon said | October 20th 2009 @ 12:15pm | Report comment
Jeez they won’t be underdone in the coaching stakes next comp!
– Head coach: Ewen McKenzie
– Backs and defence coach: Jim McKay
– Consultant coaches:
– Tim Horan
– Alec Evans
– Pat Howard
I’d be interested to know how involved the consultant coaches would be. You’d think the main problem would be the potential for inconsistent messages between them all.
I’m a Brumbies fan but go the Reds!