Reds relish pace boost
BRAD Thorn didn’t need to see Suliasi Vunivalu’s spectacular NRL grand final try to convince him the Queensland Reds’ successful pursuit of the Storm flyer was worth it.
But Vunivalu’s intercept and 80metre dash to the tryline in Melbourne’s 26-20 win over Penrith was further proof that the Reds’ recruitment of the 24-year-old winger was a wise decision.
“He’s been doing that for a long time – he’s a pretty special player,” Queensland coach Thorn said of Vunivalu. “People want to see those tries and see these athletes at their best. It’s great to have him coming here … it’ll be great having him in a maroon jersey. There’s certainly some strike, excitement and entertainment out wide if our forwards can do the job.”
Thorn, whose Reds’ contract extension was confirmed on Tuesday, said he understood Vunivalu’s motivations for returning to his rugby roots.
All Blacks great Thorn did the same after a successful stint in rugby league with the Brisbane Broncos
“He’s got that rugby background and I understand where he’s at,” the 2011 Rugby World Cup winner said.
“He wants to answer that question and see if he can go all the way in rugby. He’s said that recently around being a Wallaby.”
Thorn said Vunivalu’s emotion after the Storm’s win on Sunday night was also a great sight.
“You love seeing that, what it means to those guys,” he said.
“We’re going to really enjoy having him here and I’m sure he’s really going to enjoy the group.”
Thorn and his resurgent Reds have some unfinished business to take care of after losing this year’s Super Rugby AU final to the Brumbies by just five points.
“A lot of hard work’s been done. We’re looking to rip in,” he said.
“There’s a tight group there and they want to achieve some stuff.
Thorn’s support staff also recommitted to the Reds for another year.
Thorn called for Australian and New Zealand clubs to play each other next year after this season’s separate competitions.
“Down the Pacific here … you’ve got the makings of a world-class competition and we want to be part of that,” the Reds coach said.
“We just want to play the best, and try to match them and be the best.”