0
Reds aiming for finals
Story by Sportal for ARU
Monday, December 10, 2007 - 15:38 PM (AEST)
He may be a rookie coach but Queensland Super 14 boss Phil Mooney is steering clear of cliches and ditching the cautious approach as he attempts to reinvigorate the Reds in 2008.
Inheriting a team which won just two games last season - finishing with a record 92-3 loss to the Bulls and the wooden spoon - Mooney is thinking and talking big.
The first-year coach won't be content with mild improvement next season, telling Sportal: "We are certainly going out there to make the semis."
"It's a bit of cop-out to sit there and say we're re-building and it's a three-year plan or whatever because that gives people an excuse."
"We've got to win back respect from opposition teams and we've got to win back respect from the people who pay to come and watch us every week."
"We're certainly working as hard as we can to be as good as we can."
Helping Mooney's bid to win back some dignity north of the border is Wallaby centre Morgan Turinui, one-Test winger Digby Ioane and former Waratah Chris Siale.
The three new signings will add considerable power and pace to the Reds' backline stocks, with each having a point to prove after being let go by their former clubs.
"They've settled in really well," Mooney said of the trio.
"With Digby the transition into the team hasn't been that great because he comes from up here (Brisbane) and he's played a lot of footy with the boys."
"The change in scenery has been terrific for Morgan. Physically he's in good nick and he's been working really hard."
"Chris Siale has been there or thereabouts with the Waratahs and did really well in the ARC (Australian Rugby Championship)."
"He's been a real breath of fresh air with his enthusiasm and hasn't missed a beat at training."
The Reds begin their Super 14 redemption against the Highlanders at Suncorp Stadium on February 15.