RLMD: Magpies premiership coach Scott Thorburn steps into new role

The Magpies have swooped on a Cutters assistant, but why the change after such a dominant season? Find out here.

Scott Thorburn (right) played a hand in the Magpies' decision to bring his coaching replacement Hep Cahill (left). Picture: Mackay Magpies Senior Rugby League Facebook.

Mackay Magpies have pulled off a significant signing coup, luring Cutters assistant Hep Cahill out of the Queensland Cup system to take the reins as the club’s new head coach.

Cahill boasts a mouth-watering resume that includes nine NRL appearances with the Melbourne Storm and eight years playing in England’s Super League.

He’s also no stranger to premiership success in Rugby League Mackay and District, having led Sarina to the title in 2021.

“We wanted someone that can oversee the whole club, not just one grade,” Magpies president Damian Smith said.

“Hep’s that guy that can mentor the talented juniors coming through and bring them up into that first-grade side, as well as that coaching skill set which is second to none.

“He’s very highly regarded.”

But what about the outgoing Scott Thorburn, a newly-crowned premiership coach that orchestrated the Magpies’ near-perfect 13-1 season?

He isn’t leaving the premiership side he masterminded, rather pivoting into a shiny new Football Operations Manager role.

Damian Smith (left) and Scott Thorburn (right) following the Magpies' premiership triumph. Picture: Supplied.

“This role will let him be more flexible,” Smith said.

“Scott got to pick what he wanted really, if he wanted to go around again he would go around again, but it was more of a time factor for him.”

Smith believes Thorburn’s greatest contribution to the club has been the “one-club” mentality he’s instilled across all four grades.

“With this role, myself and Scott will be working closely together to develop the club, and with Hep taking the reins as coach, it’s a win-win,” he said.

“It’s a really good restructure of the club in a positive way.”

Cahill also played for Sarina this season.

Hep Cahill won his first RLMD premiership with Sarina, he’s hoping he can add to his collection with Magpies. Picture: Tony Martin

Smith believed Magpies were an exciting prospect for Cahill, who’s returning to local footy coaching after just a season in the Cutters fold.

“I think with the facilities we’ve got, the direction that we’re going in, and the support we can give Hep on and off the field to make it his club, I think that was really appealing to him,” Smith said.

It’s understood the decision to appoint Cahill was finalised leading into the grand final, but not announced until the club’s presentation night to avoid disrupting grand final preparations and the ensuing celebrations.

It’s a move that allows the incumbent Magpies coach to continue doing what he loves while maintaining balance.

“It’s a massive commitment with the Cutters,” Cahill said.

“I learnt a lot there in the system and how things work… as much as I enjoyed it, I’ve got four young kids, I just want to get a bit of time with the family and still be involved in footy.”

Aware of the opportunities he’s been afforded throughout his career, Cahill’s greatest passion lies in developing the next generation of talent.

“I was fortunate enough to play professionally for 12 years so to pass on some knowledge would be my biggest thing,” he said.

Mackay Magpies players enjoying their grand final triumph. Picture: Mackay Magpies Senior Rugby League Facebook.

“I come from a small town, I never thought there’d be a chance of me playing professionally, to help some young kids chase the same dream would be my biggest inspiration.”

He believes his RLMD premiership experience will hold him in good stead, but wouldn’t overstate the Magpies chances of going back-to-back.

“Everyone’s goal is to go out and win the comp, (this year’s Magpies) left a pretty good mark on the competition, especially with Scotty leaving,” Cahill said.

“It’s a big challenge for myself… it’s very early days, everyone aspires to go out there and win the comp, which will be no different from us going out there and trying to win back-to-back.

“I’m looking forward to working with a great club with the facilities to do big things, I’m excited.”