Rugby League Mackay and District: Coaching status of every A-grade side revealed
Of the eight A-grade coaches that began the 2023 season, only three remain. Now that the final move has been finalised, discover the major changes at every club here.
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A coach can make or break a premiership tilt.
With success hanging off their every decision, it positions them as some of the most influential figures in Rugby League Mackay District.
So who’s the man tasked with leading your club to the promised land in 2024, and why was he the right fit?
Of the eight RLMD A-grade coaches that began the 2023 season, just three are set to continue their search for success into 2024.
Of the five clubs where vacancies have opened up, four have already swooped on a replacement.
Go inside every decision below.
Mackay Magpies
Out: Scott Thorburn
In: Hep Cahill
In one of the more eyebrow-raising moves of the off-season, Scott Thorburn - the mastermind behind Magpies’ near-perfect premiership season - has moved into a newly-created football operations manager role.
Unsurprisingly, Magpies found a replacement befitting of their clinical, well-oiled winning machine in Hep Cahill. Cahill had been an assistant in the Cutters system and was also playing at Sarina, while he also has nine NRL games for the Storm and eight years in England’s Super League under his belt. His English connection could also prove valuable from a recruiting perspective - watch this space.
Wests Tigers
Out: Jake Eden
In: Michael Baker
Jake Eden had filled the coaching void at Wests following the tragic cancer diagnosis and eventual passing of drought-breaking hero Craig Menkins, but made the decision to step away from the role in 2023.
After an extensive search for his replacement, the club settled on Mick Baker. A Wests man through and through, Baker has played over 200 A-grade games for Wests and previously coached the A-grade side over a decade ago, laying significant foundations for the legendary dynasty that would reach six consecutive grand finals.
Baker’s expertise will be much-needed in 2024 as Wests finished a lowly seventh with just four wins for the season.
Souths Sharks
Mark Bowden continues
Souths’ 2023 campaign saw them narrowly pip the Brahmans to secure a fifth-place finish and finals berth, however they would suffer a heavy 40-point elimination final defeat at the hands of Moranbah. Despite this, the club believes there’s plenty to build on as they’ve stuck with Mark. Bowden’s an experienced coach, having previously coached the Cutters’ under-18s.
Whitsunday Brahmans
Out: Ricky Bourke
In: Trevor Nosworthy
After narrowly missing the finals in 2023, Trevor Nosworthy has been earmarked as the man to replace Ricky Bourke in the role of A-grade coach. Nosworthy’s a worthy selection - pardon the pun - having worked his way from the junior coaching ranks to A-grade. Internally, it’s believed his knowledge of the Brahmans’ existing players will also prove beneficial.
Sarina Crocodiles
Out: Blake Brodel
In: Kane Linnett
The final club to lock in it’s senior coach for 2024, Sarina arguably saved the best for last with its signing of Kane Linnett as captain-coach. Linnett boasts a superb resume that includes nine caps for Scotland, 110 Super League games, and 187 NRL games including a premiership with the Cowboys in 2015.
The search for Linnett began after changes to previous A-grade coach Blake Brodel’s working commitments meant he wouldn’t be available every week. It’s expected Brodel will stay involved with the club in an assistant coaching or development role.
The announcement of Linnett’s signature comes after Sarina made headlines for securing the services of Ben Barba heading into 2024. The arrival of Linnett and Barba will assist in offsetting a number of key departures, with Hep Cahill set to take the reins as A-grade coach of Magpies, while Scott Lee has taken the post of Carltons reserve-grade coach. It’s understood several players have followed the pair to their respective clubs.
Mackay Brothers
Tom Heggie continues
Given Brother’s came agonisingly close to premiership glory this season, dominating large portions of the decider despite the 26-6 scoreline, it should come as no surprise Tom Heggie will continue as the club’s A-grade coach into 2024. Keep your eyes peeled for a major player signing announcement in the coming days.
Carltons Red Devils
Out: Jardine Bobongie
In: Isacc Fatnowna
After an extraordinary period of continued involvement in the game, Mackay rugby league great Jardine Bobongie made the decision to step away from the role of Carlton’s A-grade coach next season. It’s understood he will still be involved with the club in some capacity, and he could lace on the boots again.
His replacement in Isaac Fatnowna steps up from the role of assistant and brings a plethora of experience, having spent four years coaching in the Cutters system.
Moranbah Miners
Jim Ahmat continues
After a solid 2023 campaign, that saw the Miners finish fourth and execute a convincing 40-point elimination final trouncing of Souths, before falling to eventual grand finalists Brothers, Ahmat has been given the green light to continue as Moranbah coach heading into 2024.
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