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I guess any candidate would have to be saying they weren't confident of getting the Wallabies job?
Queuing for Reds chalice
By Jim Tucker
May 22, 2007
FORMER Wallabies David Nucifora, Michael Foley and Pat Howard are the chief contenders to take the poisoned chalice that is coaching Queensland Reds.
Queensland rugby reverted to its traditional state of chaos yesterday with the coach who was trumpeted into office on a three-year deal resigning after a single season.
Jones said he was "100 per cent" unlikely ever to coach again in Australia after a decision which he admitted was "letting down the players".
Shocked Reds skipper John Roe said he was very disappointed at Jones's decision.
He lamented the instability of yet another search for a coach and yet another rebuilding plan.
Jones said a tirade of media speculation over his future had weighed into his decision to quit the last-placed Reds, who he guided to just two wins from 13 Super 14 starts.
"As a coach charged with winning games, I failed 100 per cent because the results have been dreadful," Jones said.
"As a foundation for the future I believe the good signs are there.
"The payback hopefully will be there for the good coach the Reds need for the next four or five years."
Jones's decision was, in part, fanned by the Queensland Rugby Union's dysfunctional processes because last week he was set on staying.
The board's inability to reach any show of public confidence in the former Wallaby boss in the fortnight since the 92-3 disaster against the Bulls in Pretoria was telling.
Wallaby assistant Foley, who was pipped by Jones when the Queensland coaching job for 2007 was settled, said last night he was open-minded about the future.