Reds 2023

[Wilson]

that shows a one track mentality though.

He has stuck with a core group and failed to develop the wider group. The bloke to model on is Wayne Bennett he always has a bunch of "new" up and comers in the wings.

I'm of the mind that it's probably time for Cordingley to move on (particularly if there's to be a change of head coach) but I'm not sure that development argument is entirely fair.

The Reds under Cordingley really embraced the NRC and it was a strategy that was just starting to pay dividends when it was cut. As the super rugby side that had their NRC teams most tightly integrated into their development pathways it's no wonder they're feeling it's loss hardest. Certainly there needs to be change in strategy with it gone, but that has started with things like the challenger series and Japan tour filling some of the gap there. It's still a far cry from the benefit of 2 centrally managed teams playing in 7-10 round competition, but that's not really something you can replace overnight, particularly not with the external upheaval and uncertainty over the last few years.

Arguments around contracting, coaching make up and on the squads ability to kick on to the next level hold more water for mine, though there are still external factors at play there. For example RUPA really appear to have abrogated their responsibility around player agents and have generally been an issue when it comes to having a clear, consistent and transparent salary cap that is rigorously enforced in recent times. This is something that thankfully appears to be changing, hopefully new super rugby management structures will see all this improve further.

 

[Dctarget]

Reds have a team that could dominate Wallabies selection. Thorn has definitely stifled their development. A world where Tate, Wilson, Petaia, Mafi, McReight, Daugunu are Wallabies starters isn't hard to imagine.

 

[Sword of Justice]

There is a possible Peter Principle phenomenon here whereby Thorn has been able to competently head coach U20s, NRC, SuperAU, but has now found himself without the competency at this stage of his coaching career for Super Rugby proper.



This is a tough competition and it is unreasonable to expect we would be finals contenders every year. What is reasonable to expect though is development of a playing group. We have a core group of players from his previous roles which is deflating slowly and not really progressing to higher honours because of perceived (and likely real) deficiencies for a level above their current job.

 

[Sir Charles]

I did hear Lukahn was not impressed with being presented a non starters jumper for his services when he left - maybe there are internal issues, either way I think its going to be a long season. The saving grace for me is McReight he sharp did he look, we have been missing a dominant 7 for a while as I thought he didnt look big enough in recent years but looked solid against the canes.

 

[Dctarget]

Has Tupou officially left the Reds? I imagined he would keep rehabbing there for the season. But it seems like they've said goodbye to him already. Will he move to Melbourne early?

 

[Wilson]

Has Tupou officially left the Reds? I imagined he would keep rehabbing there for the season. But it seems like they've said goodbye to him already. Will he move to Melbourne early?

Not that I'm aware of. I think RA might be managing his rehab (though still out of Brisbane) but I can't imagine he'd head to Melbourne early unless they want to pay out his contract. I think the goodby post is natural after it has been officially announced knowing he's unlikely to play this season. Holding off on it/not acknowledging the departure would've probably just come off as petty.

 

[Ignoto]

Reds have a team that could dominate Wallabies selection. Thorn has definitely stifled their development. A world where Tate, Wilson, Petaia, Mafi, McReight, Daugunu are Wallabies starters isn't hard to imagine.

Is Wallaby representation really the key metric were using for whether a coach has had an impact on player development?

In a year where the Wallabies win record plummeted and the Reds in the wider squad was in the minority, I don't think it's the best indicator.

Further, if you look at the rest of the Australian super squads, what coach can you directly point to as having a transformative impact?

Coleman is close to the only one, but, we're about to find out whether the Tahs break out stars will suffer from second season syndrome.

McKellar inherited a squad from Larkham.

The Rebels are a basket case and we're still waiting on years of chopping and changing coaches to show anything.

The force just got a new coach so well need to wait and see.

 

[RugbyReg]

Has Tupou officially left the Reds? I imagined he would keep rehabbing there for the season. But it seems like they've said goodbye to him already. Will he move to Melbourne early?

he spent the week in Townsville promoting last week's game.

As said, RA managing his recovery.

 

[Qldtragic]

Is Wallaby representation really the key metric were using for whether a coach has had an impact on player development?

In a year where the Wallabies win record plummeted and the Reds in the wider squad was in the minority, I don't think it's the best indicator.

Further, if you look at the rest of the Australian super squads, what coach can you directly point to as having a transformative impact?

Coleman is close to the only one, but, we're about to find out whether the Tahs break out stars will suffer from second season syndrome.

McKellar inherited a squad from Larkham.

The Rebels are a basket case and we're still waiting on years of chopping and changing coaches to show anything.

The force just got a new coach so well need to wait and see.

My bet is one S Cron will make a massive impact.

 

[RugbyReg]

Has Tupou officially left the Reds? I imagined he would keep rehabbing there for the season. But it seems like they've said goodbye to him already. Will he move to Melbourne early?

but I've now seen a thankyou Nell post by the Red on socials. Maybe he has left them???

 

[The Phoenix]

he spent the week in Townsville promoting last week's game.

As said, Rugby Australia managing his recovery.

Reds all over social media thanking him for his service to the Reds and wishing him the best for the future.

 

[dillyboy]

Does sound like a very Thorn thing to do to say cya later once he knows someone is off.....

 

[LeCheese]

Does sound like a very Thorn thing to do to say cya later once he knows someone is off.....

I'd rather he put all his time and energy into recovery as opposed to hanging around doing marketing and engagement bits and pieces just because...

 

[Qldtragic]

I'd rather he put all his time and energy into recovery as opposed to hanging around doing marketing and engagement bits and pieces just because...

I guess it depends on whether there is any thought about getting some value for the money he is being paid.
If he can put bums on seats it is worth while but with a crowd of circa 8000 in Townsville there has to be questions asked of the entire marketing program.

Not sure who is paying him at present (RA or QLD or an insurance company)

 

[Ignoto]

I'd rather he put all his time and energy into recovery as opposed to hanging around doing marketing and engagement bits and pieces just because...

Might want to stay clear of Quade's IG then as he does yard work/mowing.

 

[LeCheese]

I guess it depends on whether there is any thought about getting some value for the money he is being paid.
If he can put bums on seats it is worth while but with a crowd of circa 8000 in Townsville there has to be questions asked of the entire marketing program.

Not sure who is paying him at present (Rugby Australia or QLD or an insurance company)

From the Reds' perspective, the value of his brand would have to be significantly diminished, if not nil.

 

[LeCheese]

Might want to stay clear of Quade's IG then as he does yard work/mowing.

Nah it's good - the original functional fitness

 

[dillyboy]

Speaking of Quade - I saw on his IG he took his first conversion post injury today.

Looked a simple kick but that has to be a positive sign to his recovery!!

 

[dillyboy]

I'd rather he put all his time and energy into recovery as opposed to hanging around doing marketing and engagement bits and pieces just because...

Oh I agree - no harm in releasing him (and I don't really blame Thorn is this is what has been done). And it makes sense, once you've given notice how productive are you in your workplace anyway

Professional sport is different in that your intent to leave is know much sooner than in the corporate world.....

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

From a competitive standpoint I wouldn't release him if he is going to be in Melbourne the next day though. As petty as it can come across why help a team you are in competition with in any way whether it be tactically or commercially. If the Rebels did want him now, they have to pick up this years salary.

Different story if they cut a deal with RA to have them manage his rehab and training once fit which is the avenue I hope is happening.