'Really cool thing': Queensland Reds excited by Samoa trip to play Moana Pasifika

Brad Thorn has not shown any signs he will fall on his sword as Queensland Reds coach as the team prepares for a Moana Pasifika ambush in Samoa.

The Reds (2-5) have lost three straight games and off-contract coach Thorn has taken the heat, admitting after a heavy loss to the ACT Brumbies he had “possibly” taken the team as far as he could.

A candid Thorn looked out of answers after that game, conceding ill-discipline and poor execution were areas haunting the 2021 Super Rugby AU champion that he’d be unable to improve.

The coach has offered little insight in his only media appearance since, an unannounced interview with the Reds’ media unit from the airport’s departure lounge in the early hours of Thursday morning.

“It’s been a good week; the guys have applied themselves after a disappointing result,” he said.

“Had a solid critique, review … building towards this game in Samoa.”

Pasifika have not won a game this season, thumped 59-0 by the Hurricanes and conceding 62 points to the Brumbies in recent losses.

But they scared the Crusaders with three first-half tries last week and will be a different proposition in their Apia Park debut.

As a result of COVID-19 restrictions, it’s a home ground they’ve been denied since debuting last year as a New Zealand-based side.

“It’ll be a big occasion for them, a really cool thing that’s happened,” Thorn said of the expansion side’s return to Samoa’s capital.

“They’re not afraid to play footy from anywhere on the park.

“It will be a physical battle, but their willingness to play footy and the skills, speed, power, make them really dangerous.”

Co-captains Tate McDermott and Liam Wright, who broke his hand at training on Wednesday, have both publicly backed Thorn and insisted their much-scrutinised game plan is sound.

A bye next week offers Queensland Rugby Union enough time to review the situation but it’s unlikely Thorn, who took over in 2018 and is the club’s longest-serving coach in 20 years, will leave his post early.

In the Reds’ favour is an eight-team finals system that affords plenty of wiggle room and a belief they can match it with any opponent on their day.

They’re currently clinging to eighth spot while the Highlanders finished eighth in 2022 despite carrying a 4-10 record.

There is also no obvious replacement with former Brumbies coach and Wallabies assistant Dan McKellar Leicester-bound and Reds assistant Mick Heenan well-credentialed at Brisbane club level, but only fresh on the Super Rugby scene.

So it’s head down for Thorn, who has been frustrated not to realise the side’s potential despite the likes of Jordan Petaia and Harry Wilson boasting arguably career-best form.

Thorn recalled winger Suliasi Vunivalu at Filipo Daugunu’s expense and is clear on what he wants to see.

“Just a big man, running fast,” he said.

“The power he has carrying that footy. He’s good in the air and Suli at full flight, it’s a really good prospect so we’re hoping to see plenty of that.”