Thorn going back to his country links
BRAD Thorn might not have a direct connection to country Queensland but he plans to draw on his upbringing in regional New Zealand to build a thriving National Rugby Championship culture.
Thorn was yesterday announced as the Queensland Country head coach – stepping up from his 2016 role as an assistant – and the former All Blacks legend spoke passionately about turning around the NRC team’s fortunes.
They took the wooden spoon last year with just one win from seven starts.
Thorn will place a premium on instilling a strong culture inspired by country values.
“I am actually from the country in New Zealand. We used to sell lambs every year, I used to make money out of it,” he said.
“I lived 40 minutes from Queenstown … so for me country is very easy. When we moved to Brisbane at (age) nine, that was like, woah, it’s a city. My relations, when I go back they still live in the country.
“Queensland Country last year came last. Who wants to come last?
“This is who we will be representing and the qualities of country people, working hard, having resilience, country communities are usually very close-knit, caring – all those sort of things fits perfectly in with footy.
“Even though we didn’t do so well last year there was a bond that formed in that team and I really want to grow that this year.”
Of the 35-man Country squad, 21 are returning players from the 2016 group.
Thorn, who will be assisted by Paul Carozza, acknowledged this could be the next step towards him transitioning into a Super Rugby coaching career.
He made clear of his goal for Country this season.
“It’s not about necessarily wanting stuff, it’s your potential,” the 42-year-old said.
“Sometimes your potential isn’t winning the comp, it’s somewhere else. But what would frustrate me as a player or coaching is teams not reaching their potential.”
Three Bond University players were yesterday named in Country’s squad, including Reds rookies Alex Mafi and Hamish Stewart as well as 27year-old NRC debutant Tai Ford.
The latter, a back-rower, has been called up after another excellent season at Queensland Premier Rugby level.
Also in the squad is Wallabies veteran Stephen Moore and winger Eto Nabuli, as is experienced lock Rob Simmons.
With Country hosting two games at Bond this season, it could be a golden chance for Gold Coast fans to see Moore in action before he retires from Test rugby this season and Super Rugby after 2018.
Bond prop Salesi Manu meanwhile was named for Brisbane City, who have been allocated Wallabies backs Quade Cooper and Karmichael Hunt.