The Roar
The Roar

Advertisement

Reds set to sack Nick Stiles in favour of Brad Thorn

Expert
28th September, 2017
Advertisement
Nick Stiles the head coach for the Queensland Reds. (CREDIT: Meggie Whitchurch/QRU)
Expert
28th September, 2017
50
1095 Reads

The Queensland Reds have reportedly made the decision to sack head coach Nick Stiles after less than two years in the job.

Stiles is currently on holiday, but an official announcement is reportedly imminent.

Stiles shared the role jointly with Matt O’Connor in 2016 after the sacking of Richard Graham, then led the Reds solo in 2017.

However he was only able to achieve four wins in this Super Rugby season, leading to uncertainty around his future.

Although Stiles is contracted for another season in charge of the club, there have been reports that he and Thorn have a fractured relationship.

Thorn, a former All Black and Brisbane Bronco, is said to be widely respected at the Reds and also currently coaches Queensland Country in the NRC.

He will work alongside former Melbourne Rebels coach Tony McGahan, who recently signed with the club.

Samu Kerevi said as recently as Wednesday that Stiles had the full support of the playing group.

Advertisement

“100 per cent. The boys love Stilesy,” said Kerevi.

“He’s done a great job … and (with) the team culture aspects he’s brought on.

“Obviously from a player’s point of view, we want all of that sorted right now.

“I’m not too sure what’s going on with the decisions up top.”

However, fellow Red Scott Higginbotham admitted that players were ‘in the dark’ as to what the future held for Stiles.

“Stilesy is a good coach and I enjoy his style but I can’t give you any more info because everyone is in the dark.”

close