Former Wallabies, Queensland Reds assistant coach Jim McKay to lead Noosa Dolphins

He’s the Queensland Reds’ longest-serving coach and has worked with the Wallabies, but now Jim McKay is bringing his unique coaching skills to the Noosa Dolphins. Read what he had to say.

New Noosa Dolphins head coach Jim McKay.

The Noosa Dolphins have landed a major signing in the form of Queensland Reds’ longest serving coach and former Wallabies assistant coach, Jim McKay.

McKay had two stints with the Reds between 2009-2013 and 2019-2023, coaching in 144 Super Rugby games and winning titles in 2011 and 2021.

His career highlight came in 2013 when he was appointed Wallabies’ assistant coach under Ewen McKenzie. He later served as a technical adviser and assistant coach for the Tongan World Cup side.

The 57-year-old, who has been coaching for more than 30 years, had been living in the region for the past three years.

“I’ve been at the elite level for the past 15 years but before that, for another 15 years, I was in England coaching at all different levels and clubs, so this is almost like a full circle moment for me,” he said.

Jim McKay was the assistant during Ewen McKenzie’s Wallabies coaching reign.

“This is another challenge because every club is unique, you’ve got to find out where they’re at and ‘what‘s what’, which isn’t easy, but it’s a challenge I’m looking forward to.

“The rugby club is a big part of the community, it’s got a rich history and it’s been going okay for the past few years, but I think there’s a great opportunity to create some of our own history right now.”

McKay, a keen surfer, said despite coaching offers in Ireland and America he was content to remain on the Sunshine Coast.

“My main drive is to try and make the club a better place than when I arrived,” he said.

“I think there’s two ways of doing that - one is by playing a really positive and inspiring style of rugby, so it’s good to watch, fun to play and gives the people something.

“Then, off the field, to build and connect the club through all of the different factions of players, parents, coaches, volunteers, sponsors, fans and everyone else, so there’s a real sense of belonging.”

The 57-year-old brings plenty of experience to the table.

McKay said he was looking forward to the season ahead.

“I’m here to assist and help, I’ve got some experience, so I just want to try and give as much as I can to help make the players, the coaches and anyone else that I can better,“ he said.

“I’ve got a pretty strong belief in how we can play because if we win, but we haven’t connected the club or played a positive style of rugby, I think that’s a bit shallow.

“I think it’s all going to be quite refreshing and what I mean by that is rugby at the elite level is great, but there’s also a few things that are probably missing or that get lost along the way.

“I’m really looking forward to resuscitating, or reigniting, some of those good values of sport and club rugby.”