SLURS OVER ATTITUDE CUT DEEP WITH HARDENED NEW REDS
BRAD Thorn despised the slurs from fans that the 2017 Reds showed “a lack of fight” at times which is why he’s drummed a no-nonsense makeover into this year’s attitude.
The new Reds coach was encouraged by how his young squad improved during the Brisbane Global Rugby Tens but it now needs to be transferred to Thursday’s final trial.
Somewhere in the background to the sacking of Nick Stiles last October and the appointment of Thorn, the Reds bungled by not organising a top opponent for this date at Ballymore.
The loose, scrum-poor Fijians offer little of the key breakdown contest that the Brumbies will get from the Chiefs in their Wednesday night trial at Sunshine Coast Stadium.
The Reds will have to set their own standards under Scott Higginbotham on Thursday which is what Thorn is all about.
At yesterday’s Super Rugby launch in Brisbane, Thorn wasn’t talking finals or six-win pass marks.
“I didn’t like hearing last year from fans or (in comments) passed on that they felt there was a lack of fight and everything not left on the field,” Thorn said.
“As a player and not being a long-time coach that would embarrass and hurt me.
“I couldn’t probably tolerate that.”