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'I've never had a problem with Izack': Reds coach Brad Thorn responds Rodda rift reports

(Photo by Jono Searle/Getty Images)

Brad Thorn says he’s never had an argument with Izack Rodda, denying reports of a rift that apparently drove the Wallabies lock away from the Queensland Reds along with two teammates.

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Rodda, Harry Hockings and Isaac Lucas refused to agree to Super Rugby-wide pay cuts and, after being stood down last Monday, are now free agents after their Rugby Australia contracts were terminated on Saturday.

Rodda, 23, had been overlooked for the Reds captaincy this season and was said to be at odds with Thorn hence seeking a move to a rival Australian club.

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But Thorn said the suggestion a soured relationship was behind the move irked him, maintaining they  were on good terms.

“I spoke to Izack, he came around to my house on Saturday,” Thorn told Triple M.

“It’s been hard for me. I’ve seen in the media that (our relationship) is irreparable and we don’t get on.

“I’ve never had a problem with Izack and we’ve never had an argument.

“He … wanted to make it clear that stuff that was out there is not how he feels.

“These are the things that are frustrating.”

Rodda played for the Reds the day after the death of his father last year and even packed down next to Thorn in the second-tier NRC.

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“With Izack, he’s a guy you care about a lot,” Thorn said.

“He’s come here from a young age and I even played next to him for a couple of games.

“He lost his father, I lost my dad at 19. We’ve had a lot of personal chats.”

Rodda and livewire back Lucas were contracted until 2023 while emerging lock Hockings was off contract but in the Wallabies’ future plans.

All three are managed by player-agent Anthony Picone, who last year engineered Reds captain Samu Kerevi’s move to Japanese rugby.

Thorn said he approached all three players to attempt to understand their position.

“I was like, ‘I don’t want you to go. What is doing? Do not do this. We care about you and you’ve been part of this thing. This isn’t the right way of doing stuff’.

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“I know a few others spoke to them as well. They’re young men and they have to make decisions. You haven’t really heard from the three lads, so that’s something for them to think about.”

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RedWarrior 39 minutes ago
Records show All Blacks' greatest rugby adversary is now Ireland

Foster was literally whinging about the TMO in the Ireland series in the presser AFTER the RWC final. NZs whinging about the final itself was apparently picked up by Voyager 2 which was near the asteroid belt. What about the whingefest and crybabies after O'Mahony's legendary sledge (during the match) on Sam Cane?


I often hear talk about NZ players being poisoned or similar nonsense during the 1995 final. NZ boast that they are 'superstars' and 'humble heroes' on their own website. You gave England the same treatment in 2002-2003, calling them arrogant just because they beat you. They told the rest of us then what you were like, we should have listened. I would give as much credence to a NZ supporter disliking us, as I would to Krusty the clown saying the same thing. Let's just say your judgement may not be the best.


Regarding 2016, as the referee had basically let NZ away with cheating their way to victory via filthy dangerous play and fouling he was hardly going to pull Sexton up when clearly trying to stop a grounding. NZ always leave the boot or arm in to hurt a try scorer but that seems to be invisible to you entitles lot.


BTW NZ have literally being whinging and crying about Ireland since Soldier field. You are just very bad losers. We will be delighted to be shot of you on Friday. I hope we do so with a win, so that you rethink your philosophy of mocking opponents and spectators you've just beaten.


After the match last Saturday the internet was full of Kiwi supporters basically abusing English folk. Where is your national honour? Where is your national integrity?

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