Super Rugby: Reds coach Brad Thorn says ‘right decision’ was made to stand down Suliasi Vunivalu

Reds coach Brad Thorn wasn’t about to let team standards drop by allowing prized recruit Suliasi Vunivalu to play against the Waratahs after being charged with common assault.

Reds coach Brad Thorn desperately wanted to give Suliasi Vunivalu his Super Rugby AU debut on Friday night against the NSW Waratahs, but not at the expense of the culture and standards he demands in the Queensland camp.

Prized recruit Vunivalu was on Tuesday stood down for the Suncorp Stadium clash and fined $10,000 by the Reds after being charged with common assault for allegedly striking a security guard on January 30 a Brisbane licenced venue.

The former Melbourne Storm NRL premiership-winning winger will appear in court in April, and will have to wait until the Reds meet the Rebels on Friday week.

Suliasi Vunivalu will miss the Reds opening game of the Super Rugby season. Picture: Tom Mitchell/QRU

“It’s not ideal to have that situation at the start of the season,” Thorn said. “This week Suli won’t be there ... it’s not much fun making those decisions.”

But that hasn’t stopped Thorn making tough calls in the past on ending the Reds’ careers of Karmichael Hunt, James Slipper and Quade Cooper in his quest for a better Queensland culture.

“It’s where things are at. We felt as a club that was the right decision,” he said.

“I felt like it’s been handled really professionally and it’s just life, things happen.

“There’s a group of guys there that really care about each other and this club doing well and who they represent, and nothing’s really changed there.”

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Injured Reds captain Liam Wright said the remorseful Vunivalu was “owning his mistake”.

“He understands there’s no leeway, whether you’re an academy player or a big star and he’s happy to make up for his mistake,” Wright said. “We want our standards to be higher this year given we’re going for more, going for silverware.”

The quest for a trophy starts against the Waratahs, with Thorn hopeful of a State of Origin-type intensity on Friday night.

“Anyone that represents Queensland, anyone that represents New South Wales, whether it’s netball, rugby, swimming ... it’s competitive, it’s an age-old rivalry,” Thorn said.

Reds coach Brad Thorn sprung a selection surprise for the against NSW. Picture: Getty Images

“It’s a great way to kick off hopefully a really incredible rugby season.”

Thorn sprung a selection surprise by naming star prop Taniela Tupou on the bench.

“It’s a good way to bring ‘Nella’ back in this year,” Thorn said.

“He had a big output last year ... I think he’s one of the best tightheads in the world now.

“He’s going to be important for us on Friday night and important for our season.”

Flanker Angus Scott-Young will replace the injured Wright in the pack.

Wallabies hooker Brandon Paenga-Amosa has been left out of the Reds squad due to a neck injury, with his replacement Alex Mafi set to earn his 50th Queensland cap.

Originally published as Super Rugby: Reds coach Brad Thorn says ‘right decision’ was made to stand down Suliasi Vunivalu