Queensland Reds coach Brad Thorn says halfback Kalani Thomas ‘needs’ a chance

Reds coach Brad Thorn’s squad mentality has left him in no doubt about his decision to bench a Wallabies halfback.

Kalani Thomas (centre) will get a chance to start for the Reds. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Reds coach Brad Thorn has defended the decision to drop Wallabies halfback Tate McDermott to the Queensland bench for Saturday night’s clash against the Melbourne Rebels, saying Kalani Thomas deserves a chance to start in the No.9 jersey.

Despite the Reds claiming McDermott had been benched as part of a “planed rest”, Thorn said 20-year-old Thomas needed some extended game time.

“He needs to get opportunities as well,” Thorn said ahead of Queensland’s weekend visit to AAMI Park.

“Tatey started in the first four games of the season. We back our (squad of) 23.”

Thomas came off the bench last Sunday at Suncorp Stadium to guide the Reds to a 27-24 win over Fijian Drua.

“You saw him close out the game last weekend, and the strength of that is having that experience of Tatey to close out this game,” Thorn said.

Tate McDermott will ‘close out’ this weekend’s game for the Reds. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

The Reds are searching for back-to-back Super Rugby Pacific wins for the first time this season, with Thorn demanding a “clinical” 80-minute performance from the Queenslanders.

“(That’s) obviously what every coach is after, but (it’s about) being a bit more clinical around our game, wherever it is on the park, if we’re exiting, if we’re attacking, around our set piece – executing is a big one for us under pressure,” he said.

“We want to build a ruthlessness. If you get an opportunity down in that 22, you come away with points.”

Thorn said the Reds would have their “work cut out” to beat the Rebels in Melbourne.

“They play a positive brand of footy. It should be an entertaining game.” he said.

Originally published as Queensland Reds coach Brad Thorn says halfback Kalani Thomas ‘needs’ a chance