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Queensland Reds coach Brad Thorn has turned his team’s extended stay in Christchurch into a State of Origin style camp in a bid to use emotion and pride as a key factor in their bid to bring down the Crusaders on Friday night.
And on Thursday Thorn, a former Maroons player, revealed the moment that summed up the theme best for him – Mark Coyne’s miracle try in the corner to win Origin I in 1994.
“We’re away together which is unique, we’re in camp together representing Queensland so we’re very proud wearing maroon.
“Apart from that 10 year dominance Queensland have often been underdogs [in Origin] and going into tomorrow’s game, everyone will be tipping the Crusaders, so it’s about belief in the team.”
Captain Tate McDermott summed it up: “Whenever we’ve started a team meeting this week, that’s been the footage…the brawls, the big hits, the atmosphere around Origin, what it means to be a Queenslander.
“They have been the key things.”
Thorn is a taciturn man – at least in press conferences – but his monotone took on the hint of excitement as he recalled that moment of Coyne plunging over in the corner at the SCG while Ray Warren lost his mind in the commentary box.
“Those teams that have got results when there backs are against the wall, they’ve played for each other and kept believing,” said Thorn. “There was an origin try in the 90s where Coyney scored off a Mal Meninga pass.
“Queensland weren’t often the favourite side, often the stars were in the other team. If you put it together and play for each other and wear the Maroon jersey you’re proud to represent.”
For all the talk of togetherness, Thorn has a history of shutting out players with suggestions of personal differences coming into play with Quade Cooper claiming he was belittled by the coach before being sidelined.
The latest Wallaby to find himself on the outer is ‘Lord’ Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, the 25-capped lock and backrower who has been left behind in Brisbane despite Thorn taking an extended touring party to NZ.
Thorn was asked directly if he understood why the absence of the Wallaby would make people suspicious, but gave little away in response although his claim that “it’s been a big year for Lukhan, he’s had a baby,” was odd, at least on the assumption the big man didn’t actually give birth.
Salakaia-Loto did miss seven weeks of action and in the meantime was usurped.
Lukhan Salakaia-Loto. (Photo by Joe Allison/Getty Images)
“He’s had some opportunities but the other guys have been performing,” said Thorn, before repeating a story he’s fond of – that of Connor Vest’s surprise emergence.
“Connor Vest was playing club rugby, he was driving up from Sydney did a preseason with the Waratahs and was thinking it’s over until I gave him a phone call. I don’t know if you remember the Hurricanes game? It’s competitive, the guys who are here are here, there’s guys back home, this is the squad we have and selected and we’re looking to get a job done.”
Thorn welcomes back Liam Wright and Hunter Paisami from the team beaten by the Crusaders a week ago and Wright replaces Fraser McReight, who has been in superb form.
“Liam Wright coming in is our co-captain, supporting Tate, and just around our set piece and lineout with his knowledge and experience there,” said horn.
“The Crusaders started well and we worked hard to to fight back from that and I was really pleased with our finishers that came on and brought energy and Fraser is going to be a really important part of that.
“Back in the 1980s or 90s you only got on with an injury but squads of 23 are so important – they often come on when it’s crunch time.
“Every team wants to start well, it’s important, but we think those guys on the bench can bring real energy.”
Paisami has been out for a month with a shoulder injury and Thorn said a gradual return is standard procedure.
The Crusaders welcome back All Blacks trio Jack Goodhue, Richie Mo’unga and Codie Taylor, while Pablo Matera controversially escaped a ban after his tip tackle on Jordie Petaia last week, an incident which appeared similar to Sam Gilbert’s red card a week earlier.
(Photo by Peter Meecham/Getty Images)
Thorn said the Reds contacted officials about the incident, and made it clear it left him baffled.
“At the end of the day it’s done now and it’s all about Friday but going on the game with NSW and the Highlanders the week before with a similar situation and the outcome – with the consistency of that stuff and the safety of looking after players, I don’t really understand it.
“Right now, we’ve moved on. We’ve had to, we’re about preparing for this game and that’s most important now.”