The fate of Queensland Reds coach Richard Graham could hinge on the views of two former Wallabies who have been asked to join the franchise’s “root and branch” review of operations.
Former Queensland and Wallabies second-rower Damien Frawley will chair a new committee that will provide recommendations to the Queensland Rugby Union board at the end of the Super Rugby season.
Frawley, a current QRU board member, will be joined on the committee by former Brumbies captain and 16-Test Wallaby Brett Robinson, the former head of the Australian Rugby Union’s high-performance unit.
An additional external consultant will also assist the QRU with the “far-reaching” review, which is currently focused on the performance of the Reds, who face the Western Force this weekend in a battle to avoid the competition’s wooden spoon.
The review has already prompted the appointment of John Connolly as coaching consultant to Graham, who is out of contract at the end of the season and at long odds to stay on at Ballymore.
The Reds also recently signed Brad Thorn as a forwards development coach and Damien Marsh as head of athletic performance, while Nick Stiles has been moved into an upgraded role as senior assistant coach.
The review, which is also examining the long-term planning around the QRU’s existing elite pathway strategies, is expected to be completed in late June.
Bakkies
Guest
They're posting decent profits
Bakkies
Guest
Scott has explained he doesn't have the necessary badges to be able to apply
Bakkies
Guest
The Reds are welcome to have Damien Marsh. The Brumbies conditioning was much better under Benton.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
I'm not going to blame Richard Graham for players who were injured AFTER he signed them. As I said, they'd excuse not reaching the very best level of performance. But they don't excuse the poor performances that they have achieved.
Regz
Guest
When did the Reds become cash strapped?
The Bush
Roar Guru
Coaching in Japan. Won a title this year, though others with more knowledge say it's cause he inherited a great team that did the double the year before.
The Bush
Roar Guru
That's exactly right TWAS. Injuries as an excuse only run so far. Firstly this team isn't a second on the bottom ladder team even with the injuries, there is a core of established, title winning players that have been fit (Simmons, Slipper, Horwill, Genia, Holmes, Saia etc). Secondly this is his second year and it is up to him to ensure he doesn't recruit players that aren't fit for the season, a la Tui and O'Connor et al.
The Bush
Roar Guru
I'll do the beating around here...
Bfc
Guest
Eh...so all of the forwards (the Reds scrum is one of the few positives...) signed from the NRC are duds? Thompson and Tui as well...? Tui got injured late in the Japanese season...perhaps we can absolve the QRU of blame in this instance. Though I do think that the coaching has not been a positive...
RodMac
Roar Rookie
I'd get behind that!
Don
Roar Rookie
I think saying that Damien Frawley being involved is a "job for the boys" is a long way from the truth. Apart from having a strong QLD rugby background, the guy is CEO of QIC with about $100 B assetts under management. Having worked with him he is intolerant of nepotism and promotion without merit.
RodMac
Roar Rookie
What's Robbie Deans up to?
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
The Brumbies have regressed under Larkham. 7th in 2012 under White 3rd in 2013 under White and runners up 4th in 2014 under Larkham when he took over basically at the start of the season Currently 6th in 2015 under Larkham - Still to play the Bulls, Force, Crusaders and at risk of finishing 7th or lower. Right now they are a team on their way down since Larkham took over. The fact their decline has not been as rapid as Graham's is not a reason that an inexperienced coach can work.
Johnny J-Dog
Guest
You mean like Stephen Larkham?
Johnny J-Dog
Guest
Under 20s played good rugby. He has been around a long time and is a Queenslander. If you don't like the idea, at least have the courtesy to explain why.
Hoy
Roar Guru
What I find sad, is that there should be professional analysts, or coaches that have that ability to review tapes and see the issues... Where are they at the Reds? Do they not do video sessions?
pjm
Roar Rookie
Adrian Thompson, are you serious?
pjm
Roar Rookie
Another country, another sport. Not that I think even they are necessary. This whole getting outside people in for a review thing is a waste of time and money.
BoundaryRider
interesting point, is It a case of call in the "consultant" to justify a bad decision (ie to retain) or to spread the blame for what has been a bad decision in hiring the coach in the first place?
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Everybody is wrong at times. You know, except for myself obviously. Disregarding the facts is what bothers me.