Brad Thorn’s recipe for success two decades in the making
BRAD Thorn openly admits he’s a rookie in the coaching game but he’s a two-decade veteran when it comes to the recipes of successful footy teams.
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BRAD Thorn openly admits he’s a rookie in the coaching game but he’s a two-decade veteran when it comes to the recipes of successful footy teams.
The strong, forthright figure at the helm of the Queensland Reds has seen the essential elements of hard work, strong team culture, zealous defence and caring about the cause in every winning team he’s played in.
It’s those lessons learnt at the coalface with the Brisbane Broncos, the Crusaders, the trophy-hogging All Blacks and other outfits which have given him the quiet confidence that he can turn around the Reds.
Since the Reds last made the Super Rugby finals in 2013, the club has finished no higher than 13th and won just 16 of their 62 starts.
It’s a turnaround challenge that Thorn is relishing and is going to tackle his way.
His clearcut style is already evident on big calls.
In came Paul Carozza as his backs coach because he wanted his trusted partner from winning Queensland Under-20 and Queensland Country campaigns.
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Out went headliner Quade Cooper because he wanted a different make-up in his playmaker.
Out went halfback Nick Frisby and the diligent, hardworking James Tuttle has been empowered to put his stamp on the team at No.9.
The surest bet of the 2018 season is that the Reds will not be leaking 61 tries as they did last season.
“I take defence personally. It’s a reflection of character ... what you want to do for the mate beside you,” Thorn said.
That intent in tackles was evident across the park in last Friday night’s internal “mate v mate” trial at Ballymore.
Thorn wants his team to care about each other, the fans and how much that red jersey over their hearts really means.
And, did we say, he wants them to fight. He wants players who’ll fight out of tackles, fight in tight finishes, fight to win a spot in his teams and fight until they are successful.
They are not merely the latest buzzwords because you quickly understand with Thorn that he doesn’t over-talk it and means every syllable of what he does say.
“Caring about your mates and what you are playing for is what brings the footy stuff to life,” Thorn said.
Key players still need to stand up for the Reds if they are to make a winning start to the season in local derbies against the Melbourne Rebels (February 23) and Brumbies (March 2).
New skipper Scott Higginbotham must lead the way as captain, fit-again prop James Slipper needs to show he is 115kg-plus of authority again and centre Samu Kerevi has to repeat his barnstorming 2016-17 campaigns.
Centre Duncan Paia’aua, winger Izaia Perese and young forwards Taniela Tupou, Izack Rodda and Lukhan Tui were big improvers with the chances granted last year by coach Nick Stiles.
All can assert themselves even more this year when breakout efforts from backrower Caleb Timu, Hamish Stewart and others would really add to the Thorn blueprint.
THE NEW CAPTAIN
Scott Higginbotham. Making the 123-game Super Rugby stalwart his choice as skipper could be a masterstroke from coach Brad Thorn. He’s an influential on-field figure for senior players and rookies to follow. His view of the game from the back row is the best perch on the field and his natural instincts to attack augur well for the style the Reds will play.
THE RISING STAR
Hamish Stewart. He’s only 19 but he has the cool head to make a big fist of flyhalf in the seasons ahead. He is a starchy defender, runs straight and has a boot as strong as his handshake. It won’t all be on Stewart’s shoulders now Thorn has sidelined Quade Cooper because experienced Jono Lance and Ben Lucas are also No.10 options.
THE SURPRISE WEAPON
Caleb Timu. The former Brisbane Broncos Under-20s forward could be a hit in the back row this season. His superb balance to dish offloads when bullocking into the defence is a skill the Reds have had too little off in recent years. His 2016 knee injury turned out to be something of a blessing because it meant he could learn rugby at club and Queensland Country level.
Originally published as Brad Thorn’s recipe for success two decades in the making
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