McKenzie finds right-hand man for Reds - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

McKenzie finds right-hand man for Reds

By Jim Morton 19/10/2009 08:31:23 PM Comments (0)

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.

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