Queensland Reds coach Brad Thorn wants time to consider his future

Reds coach Brad Thorn remains fully focused on Queensland’s current season rather than be concerned about his own future beyond this year.

Reds coach Brad Thorn is unsure about his future beyond this year. Picture: Hannah Peters/Getty Images

Brad Thorn says what’s “best” for the Reds should dictate whether he will be Queensland coach beyond this season.

Thorn, who is in the final year of his Reds coaching deal, is yet to seriously contemplate his future as he focuses on Queensland’s Super Rugby Pacific campaign, which continues on Friday night against the Crusaders at Suncorp Stadium.

The Reds have made an indifferent start to the season, having won two and lost three, and face a daunting test this week, with the Queenslanders having struggled to beat New Zealand opposition in recent seasons.

Thorn, 48, has been the Reds coach since the 2018 season, with the job being part of a 30-year senior playing and coaching career in rugby league and rugby union.

“This year’s my 30th year of just non-stop,” he said.

“I haven’t really thought about any of my career because I’ve got a four-kid family, teenagers – it’s actually hectic.

“I’m lucky to know what day it is ... let alone what I’m doing.

“If I could have some time to sit down and think about stuff, that’d be good.”

Brad Thorn wants what is ‘best’ for the Reds. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

When Thorn does find that time to contemplate his future and perhaps discuss matters with Queensland Rugby Union officials, he wants the Reds’ interests – not his own – to be the priority.

“What’s best for the club is the best result,” he said.

“There are a whole heap of things in play – your family life, what’s best for the club, how the team’s going ... there’s just so many parts of it.

“This is an important part of our season. That’s what I’m focused on at the moment.?”

Thorn has been particularly frustrated with the Reds’ ill-discipline.

The Queenslanders gave away nine first-half penalties in their 40-34 loss to the Melbourne Rebels at AAMI Park last Saturday night.

“The first thing we talked about in our meeting is our discipline – it’s killing us,” Thorn said.

“You can have all your plans but if you’re self-inflicting with constant penalties, you’re defeating yourself.

“We’re not happy with where that’s at, and it’s something that we have to rectify.”

And quickly, with the Crusaders – one of Thorn’s former clubs – ready to pounce on any gifts handed to them by the Reds.

“If you give them all those opportunities, they make you play,” the Reds coach said.

“It’s probably a good game for us to be playing this week. The Crusaders have been the benchmark for so long.”

Originally published as Queensland Reds coach Brad Thorn wants time to consider his future