MURPHY SADDLES UP AS REP COACH

Clydesdales coaching gig excites former TRL player

RUGBY LEAGUE: Ned Murphy will bring the passion he had as a player to his new role as Clydesdales coach.

The TRL veteran, who won premierships with Valleys as well as playing for Souths, is excited to be taking the reins of one of the region’s flagship sides.

“It’s a real honour to be named coach,” Murphy said.

“I’ve been a fan since 1996 when they won the Queensland Cup, and I’m really looking to this opportunity.”

Already talking to potential players Murphy said he would keep things simple when he did finalise his squad.

“I’m a players’ coach – it’s important you have a good relationship with them (the players),” Murphy said.

“I’ve already talked to some players and quite a few of the current squad have already expressed their interest.

“There’s a few others in contention as well – the competition is pretty strong at the moment so we’ll be looking at everyone when the season starts.

“One thing we do have is some great outside backs so I’d like to see us throw it (the ball) around a bit and have some fun.”

New Toowoomba Rugby

League representative program head Len Currie said the decision to appoint Murphy was an easy one.

“We approached Ned (Murphy) after Chris McEwan said he was committing to Brothers next season,” Currie said.

“We’re excited about the future but we also want to thank Chris for the great job he did.

“Ned’s done it all in the TRL and will be great for the team.

“He has a good rapport with the players, is passionate and

‘‘ I’D LIKE TO SEE US THROW IT (THE BALL) AROUND A BIT AND HAVE SOME FUN. NED MURPHY

committed.”

Murphy’s first game at the Clydesdales’ helm will be significant for several reasons.

The representative team, which celebrates their centenary in 2019, will play a familiar foe in February.

“The Clydesdales played their first ever game against Wests Brisbane in 1919,” TRL chairman Brian Gilroy said.

“We will play that same team ahead of the Brisbane Broncos-Souths Logan trial in Warwick in February.

“It wasn’t intentionally planned like that but it’s a nice coincidence.”

Photos: Nev Madsen and Jason Gibbs IN CHARGE: Ned Murphy fires off a pass for Souths. INSET: TRL representative program head Len Currie (left) discusses upcoming fixtures with new Clydesdales coach Ned Murphy.