Super Rugby: Brad Thorn’s next Queensland coaching contract to be a long-term deal

Having guided the Queensland Reds to Australian glory, coach Brad Thorn is now intent on leading them to trans-Tasman glory.

Brad Thorn’s desire to turn Queensland into a provincial powerhouse of world rugby has him committed to signing a long-term coaching deal with the Reds.

As revealed on Tuesday by News Corp Australia, contract talks between Thorn and the Queensland Rugby Union are progressing well following the Reds’ 19-16 Super Rugby AU grand final win over the Brumbies.

However, unlike his current one-year deal, Thorn is hopeful of signing a longer contract as he seeks to build a Queensland dynasty.

“The last three and a half years there has been a lot put in,” he said.

“Wonderful staff, wonderful group of players, the club getting into a good space, and that was special on the weekend.

“I’d obviously like to continue to be involved and we feel like there’s a lot more to do.”

Thorn said signing only a 12-month extension in October last year “made sense” due to the uncertainty created by COVID-19.

“There were questions around the game getting through that COVID situation,” he said.

“I imagine it (his new contract) would be for a longer time.”

Having led the Reds to domestic glory, Thorn has now set his sights on trans-Tasman dominance.

“It was great to get that trophy, but we’ve put it in the cabinet and we’re focusing on our next job,” he said ahead of Queensland’s Super Rugby Trans-Tasman opener against the Highlanders in Dunedin on Friday night.

The @Reds_Rugby coach last played for the @Highlanders in 2014. #SuperRugbyTTpic.twitter.com/NY5R0Qv4xR

— Super Rugby (@SuperRugbyNZ) May 12, 2021

Due to the short turnaround and injuries, Thorn has made several changes to the Reds team that started last Saturday against the Brumbies.

Halfback Kalani Thomas will make his starting debut, while forwards Dane Zander, Liam Wright and Seru Uru, and winger Filipo Daugunu, have also been elevated from the bench to the top XV.

Lock Angus Blyth has been recalled, while prized recruit, former NRL premiership-winning winger Suliasi Vunivalu returns from a long-term injury via the bench.

Thorn has named Wright and flyhalf James O’Connor as co-captains for the new competition.

O’Connor captained the Reds for almost the entire Super Rugby AU season while Wright was sidelined with an ankle injury.

And with Wright only able to grab a bench spot for the decider, O’Connor also skippered the Reds to their weekend triumph.

“I’m probably not the biggest fans of the co-captain thing but I just thought James ... has done a good job. Liam Wright’s done an amazing job last year and this year with his leadership,” Thorn said.

“I just think the two of them for five, hopefully six games (if the Reds make the final), I think that’s a good way forward.

“They worked really well together when they were on the park the other night (against the Brumbies).”

Reds squad: Dane Zander, Brandon Paenga-Amosa , Feao Fotuaika, Ryan Smith, Angus Blyth, Angus Scott-Young, Liam Wright (co-captain), Seru Uru, Kalani Thomas, James O’Connor (co-captain), Jock Campbell, Hamish Stewart, Josh Flook, Filipo Daugunu, Bryce Hegarty. Bench: Josh Nasser, Harry Hoopert, Taniela Tupou, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto Fraser McReight, Moses Sorovi, Isaac Henry, Suliasi Vunivalu.