Brad Thorn might be channeling a bit of Roy Masters with the way he’s been moulding the identity of the Queensland Reds over the past year.
Of course he’s not attempting to create a pseudo-class warfare in rugby union by replicating rugby league’s ‘Fibros against Silvertails’ rivalry between Western Suburbs and Manly from the late 1970s, which Magpies coach Masters was the mastermind of.
But Thorn is certainly trying to build a blue-collar, roll-the-sleeves-up, no-frills squad who don’t fear anyone, much like Masters’ strategy to motivate his men.
Out of Brisbane went Quade Cooper, who to Thorn was a better Instagrammer than playmaker. On their way also were James Slipper and Karmichael Hunt, who were on the nose with the Reds coach following separate drug-related indiscretions.
It was a bold call for Thorn to banish the trio given their credentials when fit and firing, but his path was clear. His priority was to create a club culture that was gritty and resilient, and Cooper, Hunt and Slipper weren’t the types – despite their vast experience within a young squad – that could foster the traits he was aiming to instill.
It was a high-risk move to brush top talent in such an arduous competition. Surely it would’ve been easier to work with the wayward and get the best out of them even if their faults were distracting and even inhibiting.
They’ve been elite players for a long time, if not always professional. They’ve all pulled on the Wallabies jersey, and Cooper and Slipper won a Super Rugby title at the Reds.
It’s left the Reds without star power and third favourite out of 15 teams to get the Super Rugby wooden spoon.
Thorn resisted the temptation to sign a big name in the off-season to fill the void left by the departed trio, or never even went looking. That could’ve been a quick fix, but instead he’s backing his side to believe they can match it with any team in Super Rugby.
Hamish Stewart, just 20 years old, will steer the Reds from five-eighth after struggling in his first year last season. Moses Sorovi at halfback is raw. Bryce Hegarty has been jetted in from the Waratahs. Jordan Petaia is an 18-year-old at outside centre.
The Reds’ average age is about 23 – easily the youngest in the competition. Plenty of pressure rests with new skipper Samu Kerevi at No.12.
The pack looks a bit lightweight and certainly unproven, but it’s where Thorn can make most of an impression. Liam Wright, Angus Scott-Young and Caleb Timu form a low-key back-row. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, a bruising forward with much promise, moves into the second row with Izack Rodda. Taniela Tupou is on the verge of a breakthrough season, while Brandon Paenga-Amosa and Feao Fotuaika will start the first game in the front row.
There was plenty of anticipation over how Cooper, Hunt and Slipper would go with their new clubs last weekend, but following a Round 1 bye, all the intrigue moves to the first-up form of Thorn’s Reds. They face the Highlanders in Dunedin tonight, a tricky assignment for any team.
The curiosity is heightened given Thorn’s hard-line stance since taking over at Ballymore in October 2017.
“I’m a bit ruthless like that,” Thorn said in an interview a few weeks ago.
(Photo by Jono Searle/Getty Images)
The next three weeks will prove how much of an effect Thorn’s approach has been. It’s a tough opening, with the Highlanders clash followed by the Crusaders at home and the Waratahs in Sydney. He’ll have to wait until round seven for his chance to take down Quade.
Thorn has taken the Reds on army boot camps over the off-season and he’s had more time to solidify his expectations for the team.
The key question is whether he can break through to his team with his unique style – one based strongly on him being highly revered as a recently retired hard nut who achieved so much on the field.
Is that enough? It will be interesting to contrast the progression of the Reds to the Melbourne Rebels. They are flush with star Wallabies and coached by Dave Wessels, who is more of a rugby nerd or strategist than one who like Thorn generates authority because of his playing CV.
If the Reds perform strongly this season, there will be much to be admired about Thorn’s high-risk and culture-first outlook.
If he can turn a youthful team, nearly all who have come through the Queensland system, into a side that can improve on their six-win, 10-loss season in 2018, then you can only assume his Queensland Rugby Union bosses will be happy with that trajectory. Reds fans – as parochial as ever – will be eager to warm to a team that’s almost entirely home-grown.
“The guys are excited to be in Super Rugby mode and are ready to rip in on Friday night,” Thorn said yesterday.
The Reds have a lot to gain but also a fair bit to lose too given their fans will struggle to cop another dud season. It’s what makes Thorn’s big punt so intriguing.
Over here
Roar Rookie
I like the way genia and Cooper are operating back together at the rebels. Yes, they've only played one game there but you can see that genia is responsible for running the forwards ie getting them to do their plays before handing over to Cooper to ignite the backs. Will be an interesting game this weekend
Kashmir Pete
Roar Guru
Brad’s examination results: Key: A = excellent B = good C = pass D = requires improvement E = poor Team strategy: B- Team outcome: B Forward perform: A Back perform: A- Team attitude: A++ Team outlook: A+ Average mark: A Cheers! KP
Gloria
Roar Rookie
They LOST.
Oblonsky‘s Other Pun
Roar Guru
This comment about Rodda dated poorly, Will ????
Ruckin Oaf
Guest
".I hope the Chiefs kick some brumbies butt tonight" I'll say this for you Jacko as a rugby pundit you sure are consistent.
Ruckin Oaf
Guest
Yep it was a great performance but they lost. And a big part of that loss seems to be areas such as tactical kicking and game management. Areas that Cooper is pretty good in. The Reds are going to have a great season, this is Qld rugby after all, but they will still be missing a more complete fly-half.
stillmissit
Roar Guru
Simon: Lets look at it. Tell me about any good (not great) Wallaby team that has had an average 9? I ask because I cannot think of one. Just thought of one Hipwell until the battle of Ballymore. The great 9's were all in great teams: Ken Catchpole,Nick Farr-Jones, Gregan (early years). I am no historian of rugby union and I am sure there are more to add to this list. Basically Simon you must have played on the wing not to appreciate the role a great half back has on teams. They can control a game as well as any great 5/8 ie Farr-Jones and Catchpole (not that I saw a lot of him). The 2 most important positions on the pitch are 9 and 10. We forwards were there to win ball and then half back and 5/8 decided what to do with it. I played in many games where scrum halves and or 5/8ths just threw away ball we fought hard to win. That's how you get to appreciate the good ones!
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Hamish's defence is good. There are heaps of good defenders like Rodda, Wright, Hooper, AAA, BPA etc. A good 10 brings a lot more to his team than just defence some of those skills are just inherent and not so much taught. Have always said Hamish, whilst being a good defender is poor in those other areas, predominantly attack, sheer speed, game management and kicking. Thankfully they have brushed hum kicking.
Andrew Joseph
Roar Rookie
Moses makes the highlights reels, Stewart doesn't. Stewart may better suit inside centre than flyhalf. Rebels have their halves sorted. A centralised model should see Brisbane State High player Matt Toomau playing for the Reds instead of Rebels later in the season. This then becomes his opportunity to force his way into Wallaby No. 10 selection.
Andrew Joseph
Roar Rookie
Hindsight is a good thing. A back racing off the line for Chiefs Match winner unfortunately cost the Reds the game.
Andrew Joseph
Roar Rookie
That got me chuckling. :)
Andrew Joseph
Roar Rookie
You look at highlights reel of Brumbies or Rebels. It is all Quade Copper or Christian L. Even when he was younger, Quade made these highlights reels. Just don't see Hamish making the reels. He needs to be for Reds to have a shot this year.
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Jack, Did I miss something ? I heard they LOST. Forget the sugar coating, the spin, etc the fact is the boys lost and so did Thorn. Let's see how the lads go at the Fortress against those Crusaders. You'd have to be pretty optimistic.
Bodger
Roar Rookie
20 and already a considerably better defender than QC. Realise you're being sarcastic but his style is more a young Larkham at his age. 20 and playing his second season of Super Rugby in a Reds team with a combined age if under 23, they are the future and so many folk still living in 2011. :-)
riddler
Roar Rookie
well put rhys. spot on mate. i am sure there is some stuff underneath but let's be honest none of us know anything. we are all on the outer. reds go well, cooper goes well in melbourne. win/win for oz rugby.
Hurles
Roar Rookie
That was my point. He’s not a politician, so thanks for pointing it out. To be honest I think the fans do deserve better. We are the paying customer after all. You are right though, none of us know what went on. Maybe some communication with the fan base would serve him well. Either way it was a cracking performance from the reds yesterday and showed early signs that Thorn is doing something special. Hope it continues into the season. We’ve had some tough years that’s for certain.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
I was just referring to regular season. FYI, Austadiums.com is a good database back to around 2003
Rhys Bosley
Roar Pro
Yeah well Thorn isn’t a politician, it is to coach a footy team, and frankly he doesn’t owe fans any more explanation than what he gave. You are only speculating about the interaction anyway, none of us really know what went on. The way some people treat this like a soap opera is actually pretty funny, I have to wonder if they are actually watching the games.
Hurles
Roar Rookie
The comments Thorn made re. Coopers cut were as wishy washy as a politician talking his way around giving an answer. I’m not whining, nor am I judging Thorn for his decision. His execution of that decision showed disrespect for the player and his career. The players deserve better. It was also reported that Hunt was left in the dark by Thorn until Hunt went looking for answers. It would appear Thorns moral high ground and culture is only applicable when it suits him.
Simon Clements
Guest
Rubbish, The number 9 just has to be game aware and have a great pass. Many Oz 9s were very good and without a great pass. Aaron Smith demonstrated that a great pass gives the 10 the extra moment he needs to read the play if he doesn't have a standover coach like Cheika is.