Former premiership winner Michael Durbridge to coach Queens in 2019-20

NEW Queens coach Michael Durbridge has identified his top priority for next season but insists the Centaurs have the foundations to reclaim the Kookaburra Cup throne.

NEW Queens coach Michael Durbridge will channel his focus into building club cohesion next season, insisting the Centaurs have the foundations to reclaim the Kookaburra Cup throne.

With former teammate Jimmy Spargo relinquishing the coaching duties for 2019-20, Durbridge has been charged with delivering the club’s first top-grade title since sealing back-to-back flags in 2016-17.

The 39-year-old, a premiership winner with the Gold Coast Dolphins and former Queensland Country quick, was captain of that side but hung up his boots at the end of the following season.

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After bowing out in the semi finals in Durbridge’s final campaign, the Centaurs fell back to the pack last season to finish sixth.

However, with the club’s second grade side collecting the minor premiership and reaching the grand final, Durbridge said there was cause for optimism at Greg Chaplin Oval.

New Queens coach Michael Durbridge. Picture: John Gass

“When I’ve played in successful teams in the past there’s always been that cohesion, mateship, friendship and ability and when all of those things connect, on-field success is the natural progression,” Durbridge said.

“I think culture is not something, it’s everything, and if you get that right everything falls into place. So from a coaching perspective, I will be trying to find that delicate balance between technical, fitness and also making sure there’s cohesion and enjoyment in rocking up to do it.

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“You see the rise and fall of some teams really quickly and a lot of that I think has to do with cohesion. I was a passive observer (last season) and kept my finger on the pulse of what was going on.

“There’s nothing there that needs a broadsword, it’s a great club with a great history and a great culture and I’m looking forward to doing what I can do to try and improve it.”

While the presence of Queensland Country trio Spargo, and Winton brothers Sam and Harry would aid Queens’ resurrection quest, Durbridge said he was yet to confirm who would return to the club next season.

But he would not rule out a comeback of his own.

PART ONE: KOOKABURRA CUP GALLERY

“I’ll probably see how the teams and the numbers and everything else pull together later in the year. Having done nothing for a year my body doesn’t hurt anymore but that could change very quickly,” he said.

“I’ll be picking up the phone and having those conversations (with other players).”