Queensland Reds 2026

[PhilClinton]

I actually think another Brisbane Benny would be closer to getting a Reds gig than Mowen.

Ben McCormack must be having his name fluttered around Ballymore as a potential assistant coach from 2026 onwards. His resume is pretty strong particularly if he can lead Brothers to a three-peat this year.

The Randwick team who won the premiership in 2023 was also largely built on players he brought into the club over his time there.

 

[PhilClinton]

I think could do that because he had Quade Cooper, I think he was a key piece in being able to plan for different teams.

Our 10's may get there one day, but I don't think they change each week at this stage of thier careers

Yeh and I think it's worth mentioning that although they had 'different gameplans' the entire game of rugby is still only winnable via two scenarios:

1. Score more points than the opposition
2. Defend your line and stop the opposition from scoring

Defence was never Quade's strong suit, although we did have some decent defensive players around him during his prime, the objective of Link's Reds teams was always figuring out how to score more points than the opposition and leaning into Quade's attacking prowess.

Not every team is going to end up relying on their flyhalf the dictate what type of game they play. In the Reds case currently, you definitely feel like there is more emphasis on forwards link play and defensive starch.

 

[Strewthcobber]

Potentially under rated part of the gameplan....QC (Quade Cooper) was the top scorer in 2011 with 228 points - the Reds had 46 penalties and 4 drop goals

 

[Nuggetyflyhalf]

Leon McDonald worth a phone call post 26.

 

[liquor box]

Brian Smith the old Paramarra Eels and St George coach changed his game plans each week. It is poor coaching.

I cannot understand how you come to this conclusion.

It is great coaching to be able to succeed with different plans. Why would you use the same every week, opponents soon work out your weaknesses.

I fondly remember in the glory days with Link as coach they beat the Blue Bulls, a formidable lineout team by using quick lineouts pretty much all of the game to destroy the Bulls plans, this was designed to stop Matfield's dominance.

If you get bored and want to see how effective QC (Quade Cooper) and Link were at planning for opponents, try to watch Reds v B&I Lions from 2013. QC (Quade Cooper) was captain and the first half is some of the best rugby I have ever seen, unfortunately the Lions were far too experienced for the Reds but the tactics by the Reds were awesome.


On a side note, the first half of this game should be used to convert non rugby people to being rugby people, it is that good!

 

[liquor box]

Yeh and I think it's worth mentioning that although they had 'different gameplans' the entire game of rugby is still only winnable via two scenarios:

1. Score more points than the opposition
2. Defend your line and stop the opposition from scoring

Defence was never Quade's strong suit, although we did have some decent defensive players around him during his prime, the objective of Link's Reds teams was always figuring out how to score more points than the opposition and leaning into Quade's attacking prowess.

Not every team is going to end up relying on their flyhalf the dictate what type of game they play. In the Reds case currently, you definitely feel like there is more emphasis on forwards link play and defensive starch.

I doubt if I will see another Australian (eligible) player with his skills and natural ability. I probably have about another 30 years in me so who knows???