McKenzie finds right-hand man for Reds

[TOCC]

McKenzie finds right-hand man for Reds

New Queensland coach Ewen McKenzie has found his right-hand man with the unheralded Jim McKay to guide the Reds exciting backline in next year's Super 14.

McKay, a former Sydney clubmate of McKenzie's at Randwick, will end a 14-year coaching stint in the United Kingdom to join the former Waratahs coach at Ballymore.

Described by former Wallabies mentor Bob Dwyer as a genuine hands-on coach and humble character, the 42-year-old former winger is currently in charge of the Leicester Academy.

Before that the Reds new backs and defence coach led the Cornish Pirates and worked at Rotherham.

McKenzie, appointed as head coach 10 days ago ahead of John Connolly, told his new players about McKay at the Reds induction day at Ballymore on Monday.

In a new structure, Queensland will also have three consultant coaches in former Wallabies Tim Horan, Alec Evans and Pat Howard.

McKenzie, to take charge of the Reds forwards, will tap into the vast knowledge of "scrum doctor" Evans, whose coaching contribution to Queensland rugby dates back more than four decades.

McKay inherits a backline which includes Wallabies Will Genia, Quade Cooper, Digby Ioane, Peter Hynes and Richard Kingi.

Melbourne Storm three-quarter Will Chambers is expected to immediately vie for a starting place but has been given extra time to overcome a taxing NRL season before starting training next month.

http://news.rugbyheaven.com.au/break...1019-h4vd.html

---------- Post added at 19:16 ---------- Previous post was at 19:11 ----------

i really like the look of that coaching structure, i dont know a whole lot about Jim McKay but im currently looking. Alec Evans, Tim Horan and Pat Howard are three people who carry a lot of credibility and experience and should be able to really help out next year.

[Thequeerone]

Sounds positive - fancy having to train Digby sounds like a dream come true.

[Burgs]

Could be better times ahead TOCC, maybe not 2010 but 2011 should bare fruit.

[Sheikh]

It's a bit of a step-up from coach of the Leicester academy to backs coach for the Reds, but the Leicester do have one of the best academies in the UK, and have a regular production line of useful backs and back-rowers. Good luck to you, TOCC.