Kicking on: Brad Thorn set to re-sign and help with Reds revival

Brad Thorn is in advanced discussions to re-sign as Reds coach for another two years to create the stability that Queensland rugby needs for a sustained revival.

Reds Coach Brad Thorn. Queensland Reds rugby union team at Ballymore field. Wednesday January 23, 2019. (AAP image, John Gass)

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Brad Thorn is in advanced discussions to re-sign as Reds coach for another two years to create the stability that Queensland rugby needs for a sustained revival.

Thorn revealed exclusively to The Sunday Mail how strongly he felt about staying on at Ballymore to continue the job he started last year with the youngest squad in Super Rugby.

It’s upbeat news on the eve of the Reds launching their 2019 campaign against the Highlanders in Dunedin on Friday night after cooling their heels this weekend with a first-round bye.

Brad Thorn is set to extend his deal with the Queensland Reds. Picture: AAP image

Thorn’s current two-year contract ends this season but inking another deal would lock him in as the longest-serving Reds coach since Ewen McKenzie’s run between 2010-2013 produced the club’s last three trips to the finals.

“I definitely feel the club is going in a good direction,” Thorn said.

“I’m keen to keep being part of that because people can see a group that is getting pretty tight, one where mates put in for each other.

“There’s stuff in front of us, for sure, but we’ve done some hard yards and we’ll see the benefits this year and going forward.”

The clarity in Thorn’s own mind that top-level coaching is for him is the biggest plus because he entered the role last season as a rookie who did wonder if he’d cut it even with his vast background of elite, trophy-winning teams as a player.

Brad Thorn is enjoying life at the Reds ahead of the 2019 Super Rugby season. Picture: Annette Dew

QRU chairman Jeff Miller confirmed on Saturday that “discussions are well underway” with Thorn for a contract extension.

“We’ve said regularly, as a board, that we back Brad and the cultural change he has brought to the squad,” Miller said.

“One of the big things needed by Queensland rugby is consistency over a number of seasons and Brad has shown the strong attributes he brings.”

A new contract for Thorn is a must and it would also synch his deal with assistants Jim McKay (attack) and Peter Ryan (defence), who are both signed to the end of 2021.

On a broader level, it would mean all four of Australia’s Super Rugby sides having a settled future with Dan McKellar (Brumbies), Daryl Gibson (NSW Waratahs) and Dave Wessels (Melbourne Rebels) all recently finalising head coaching extensions.

Hard work never stops 💯🔥#byeweek #Believe2019 #RedsFamily pic.twitter.com/Xz5nD45vHq

— Queensland Reds (@Reds_Rugby) February 13, 2019

It’s hard not to think the Reds are a half-step behind not having played on the season’s opening weekend but they did get a clear look at the quality of the Highlanders they are to face.

Dangerous All Blacks halfback Aaron Smith crossed for a late try to get the 14-man Highlanders home 30-27 in Hamilton over a far stronger Chiefs side than the one that beat the Reds 21-19 in a recent trial.

Smith is a fast, sparky ignition key for the best Highlanders’ moments just as Thorn hopes young halfbacks Moses Sorovi and Tate McDermott can be for the Reds this year.

McDermott, coming off the bench, twice outperformed Sorovi in trials but it may be that Thorn still sees him as the ideal player to lift the tempo in the second half of games.

The Reds have no major injury concerns with Aidan Toua (foot) unable to build any case to challenge recruit Bryce Hegarty, who will start at fullback.

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