I'm less convinced.
I'll certainly say that Thorn has absolutely been willing to give young players a crack. He has very much steered away from older journeymen.
There's been a significant feeling among Reds fans over the last few years that the Reds haven't held onto some of the players they should have. Too many new players isn't a good thing.
How many players have played one or two games and never been heard of again? Giving someone a crack is great but if they don't stick then maybe you've identified the wrong players?
How many known young talents haven't ended up getting enough of an opportunity with the Reds that they've signed elsewhere? Rhys van Nek would certainly be one who seems like a substantial loss without adequate quality being kept instead.
2018 QLD Red Debuts:
- Brandon Paenga-Amosa
- JP Smith
- Tate McDermott
- Liam Wright
- Filipo Daugunu
- Harry Hockings
- Angus Scott-Young
- Ruan Smith
- Jordan Petaia
- Harry Hoopert
- Angus Blyth
- Teti Tela
2019 Debuts:
- Bryce Hegarty
- Sefa Naivalu
- Feao Fotaika
- Isaac Lucas
- Jack Hardy
- Fraser McReight
- Jock Campbell
- Matt McGahan
- Seb Wileman
- Gav Luka
- Scott Maloula
2020 Debuts:
- Henry Speight
- Hary Wilson
- Dane Zander
- Seru Uru
- Hunter Paisami
- Josh Nasser
- Ed Craig
- Tuaina Tualima
- Josh Flook
- Jack Stracker
- Zane Nonngorr
- Sean Farrell
- Jethro Felemi
2021 Debuts:
- Richie Asiata
- Ryan Smith
- Ilaisa Droasese
- Suliasi Vunivalu
- Sam Wallis
- Kalani Thomas
- Isaac Henry
- Mac Grealy
2022 Debuts:
- Lawson Creighton
- Spencer Jeans
- Matt Faessler
- Connor Vest
- Lopeti Faifua
- Wilson Blyth*
- Taine Roiri*
- Louis Werchon*
- Joey Fittock*
- Floyd Aubrey*
2023 Debuts:
- Tom Lynagh
- Peni Ravia
- Jake Upfield
- Connor Anderson
- Taj Annan
- Phransis Sula-Siaosi
* No Super Rugby debut - just capped v Saitama
I actually think that is a pretty damn good hit rate. You've got a few who came with experience (Speight, Naivalu, Smith twins) but mostly he's picked local talent. The ones who are more one offs (Wileman, Luka, Tela) came with mass injury concerns.
I can't see too many misses there? Zander one who hasn't developed, is probably the standout?
Ryan Smith and Feoa Fotuaika are two absolute success standouts in my mind. Probably a few more in there too.
The comments about Van Nek are a little misguided, as the big two teams will always miss out on some players, and sometimes the opportunity doesn't align with the form. There are always a multitude of reasons for players not making it at one team, but doing so elsewhere. Conor Vest as an example.
Brad won't be judged on who he brought in - it will be the exits. Slipper, Cooper, Hunt, Rodda, Hocking and Lucas initially and then the departure of ASY (Angus Scott-Young), LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto), Mafi and Tupou. I think the last few are the ones that have impacted his recent success the most.