New Reds coach Phil Mooney has inherited something resembling the Queensland Coalition, a train wreck, but he seems to be playing everything that comes his way with a straight bat.

I saw his post-match interview after Queensland capitulated against the Stormers last weekend and the coach looked like he’d just lost a loved one.

But rather than look for excuses – and in my opinion there are plenty, including an entourage of failed predecessors, some who got no support and others who got too much (ie Eddie Jones), and an inept administration for putting up with it all – the current coach took it on the chin.

There were no excuses, just responsibility and an undertaking to fix the problem.

The coach is not going to die wondering and it is up to those associated with the Reds on and off the field to be brave, because it may get worse before it gets better, but it will get better.

Team of the Century

In line with the Centenary Celebrations for 2008, the SCGRL, in conjunction with the Daily, is selecting the Sunshine Coast Team of the Century.

On Mondays and Fridays, a nomination form appears in the paper. Fill in who you think should be included in the team and go in the draw for two State of Origin tickets and accommodation in Brisbane for the night.

Once the judges have narrowed the field down to the top four in each position, they will again ask for the public’s input in selecting the top 17 rugby league players and coach that have played at least two seasons on the Coast in A-grade and represented the region’s A-grade team.

The punter who gets closest to our judges will not only win two Origin tickets and overnight accommodation, but also a signed Origin jersey.

There should be some good arguments in local pubs, like who was the better halfback, Goldthorpe or James Ward or Lee Hutchinson?

Joel and Casey

Bronco Joel Moon reminds me of another talented Sunshine Coast product, Casey McGuire.

Both are talented but had trouble convincing the coach that they should be a permanent fixture at Red Hill.

I cast my mind back to when Casey came up from Parramatta and he ended playing in the Q Cup with Toowoomba.

The only difference with Joel is he his heading to Norths.

Of course, Casey went on to have a great career at the Broncos but I always thought he would have been a run-on player in any other club. I hope the same doesn’t happen to Joel.

Footy/racing trip

What about this for a great getaway in Melbourne in November?

It is unusual for a game of league, Australia against the Poms, to be played in Melbourne in November but even more bizarre is that it is in between Derby Day on Saturday and the Melbourne Cup Tuesday.

Now former Origin star Turtle Consecu has teamed with Ambassador Travel to lead a tour which will be the next best thing to packing into the scrum or riding in the Cup because my old mate does know how to have a good time.