2008 QR Reds on the record
September 11 - In an extended interview, QR Reds Head Coach Phil Mooney reflects on the recent Development Tour of Ireland and France and gives an outline of the players' off-season training regime. Warning: large WMA file
August 15 - The QRU's Ben Whitaker, in an extended interview, talks about the Reds' recruitment process and his responsibiities as QRU Performance Rugby Manager Warning: large WMA file
May 12 - Chris Latham says a badly torn pectoral muscle is the end of his career in Australia, although not his rugby career. Latham, who is to join Worcester, said he was disappointed by the injury at first, but now has the situation in perspective. He says Wallaby selection is unlikely and speculates on who might succeed him as fullback for the QR Reds and Wallabies.
May 10 - Phil Mooney says he's proud of his players despite the loss to the Crusaders, who benefited from the second half introduction of high profile replacements in Ali Williams, Dan Carter and Corey Flynn. Mooney pays tribute to Chris Latham who has played his last game in a Reds' jersey after being injured. He and Forwards Coach Mark Bell comment on the torrid introduction to Super 14 scrummaging for Ben Daley when he came up against Crusaders' and All Black prop Greg Somerville.
May 10 - Crusaders' coach Robbie Deans says the replacements helped improve the decision making after the Crusaders squandered early opportunities. Deans says the QR Reds are a team on the improve and predicts next week's match against the Waratahs will be "a great game of footy".
May 6 - QR Reds flanker David Croft announces his decision to retire from professional rugby at the end of the current season (wma audio files): Croft said his body could probably continue but mentally he felt it was time to call it quits. Croft says being dropped to the bench for two games earlier in the season forced him to reassess his approach to the game. Croft says the side is in good hands with the younger players coming through and Head Coach Phil Mooney in charge. He says he leaves the professional game with no regrets and looks forward to playing some "social rugby" with Brothers - after his last challenge, playing the Waratahs.
May 6 - QR Reds Head Coach Phil Mooney pays tribute to retiring flanker David Croft, while Performance Rugby Manager Ben Whitaker says it's now time for some of the younger players to step up (wma audio files).
May 2 - QR Reds coach Phil Mooney and Forwards Coach Mark Bell comment on the 35-22 loss to the Blues at Suncorp Stadium (wma audio files): Mooney said the young Reds need to learn to maintain intensity and said they missed the work in tight of injured backrower John Roe. Bell said a positive for the team was that the Reds scrum had problems early but adapted to the challenge posed by the tough Blues pack.
May 2 - QR Reds captain James Horwill comments on the loss to the Blues: Horwill said the team found the tactics to win but then deviated from them. He says mistakes cost the Reds the game and says they will need to lift their performance against the Crusaders in the following week.
April 29 - QR Reds coach Phil Mooney comments ahead of Friday night's match against the Blues at Suncorp Stadium (wma audio files): Mooney says the Reds' performance against the Chiefs has given them a lot of confidence. Although they lost he said it was probably the Reds' best attacking performance for some time. He said the Reds are hoping for a big crowd at Suncorp on Friday. Mooney said Berrick Barnes deserves to be considered by Wallaby selectors as an inside centre. He says a shoulder injury to flanker John Roe will require the whole forward pack to step up in defence, including replacement Scott Higginbotham who will make his first run-on appearance for the QR Reds after two starts off the bench.
April 29 - QR Reds flanker Scott Higginbotham on the challenge posed by the Blues in Friday night's match at Suncorp Stadium (wma audio files):
April 22- QR Reds coach Phil Mooney comments ahead of Saturday's match against the Chiefs in Hamilton (wma audio files): Mooney says the Reds will be looking to keep the ball away from the Chiefs back three on Saturday. Mooney said Rodney Blake deserved his recall to the starting XV and that Leroy Houston is just starting to scratch the surface of his playing potential. He pays tribute to Stephen Moore, who will win his 50th cap against the Chiefs.
April 22 - QR Reds No 8 Leroy Houston comments ahead of Saturday's match against the Chiefs in Hamilton. He laughs off suggestions that he is in line for Wallaby selection. He says he is looking forward to testing himself against the Chiefs.
April 20 - James Horwill, captain for the match against the Western Force (wma audio files): James said the team had a point to prove in their 29-12 win and that it would give the team confidence in their remaining matches. He said the team was prepared for some verbal exchanges with Force players during the game.
March 15 - Post match interviews after the QR Reds' 40-8 victory over the Bulls (wma audio files): Head Coach Phil Mooney says the win could turn out to be a defining moment for the Reds after a difficult buildup. He said young players like Poutasi "Tasi" Luafutu helped inject enthusiasm into the leadup and on field and says new captain Sam Cordingley handled the role well. Forwards coach Mark Bell said he was pleased with the aggression shown by his forwards, while Backs Coach Damon Emtage said the forward platform had a lot to do with the improved backline performance. Captain Sam Cordingley said he was pleased the Reds didn't let the Bulls off the hook after establishing an early lead and said the atmosphere in the dressing room at halftime was focused on driving home that advantage. He says the captaincy hasn't changed his game, just sharpened his focus.
March 11 - Interview with new QR Reds captain Sam Cordingley (wma audio files) who says he is honoured to be given the captaincy and outlines his approach to the role. He says the match against the Bulls on Saturday will be a personal and team challenge.
March 11 - Interview with John Roe (wma audio files), who says he was naturally disappointed to relinquish the captaincy but says he can now focus solely on playing well. Roe says he will continue to work closely with Sam Cordingley as part of the leadership team.
March 11 - Interview with Phil Mooney (wma audio files), who pays tribute to the leadership of John Roe. He says Sam Cordingley will be a worthy successor.
March 7 - Interview with QR Reds prop Dayna Edwards following his selection in the starting side for the first time (wma audio files): He says his game is built around working hard in the tight and he believes the reformed front row will combine well. Dayna says he's enjoying being part of the Reds after moving from NZ and says he even supports the Wallabies these days.
March 6 - Interview with QR Reds coach Phil Mooney (wma audio file) who says changes have been made for the Stormers match to re-energise the side and says the new faces have done that. He says prop Rodney Blake will be used as an impact weapon in the second half.
March 6 - Interview with lock Ed O'Donoghue, on being selected for the starting lineup for the Stormers match on form, rather than as an injury replacement. (WMA audio file)
March 6 - Interview with Sean Hardman on his selection as starting hooker for the Stormers match (WMA audio file): He says he much prefers starting to coming off the bench and relishes the opportunity. He says the competition between he and Stephen Moore for the No 2 jersey is good for the team and says it's important for the whole side to have the right mental attitude and a hunger to win.
February 26 - Interview with QR Reds captain John Roe (wma audio file): Roe says he is looking forward to reaching the 100 game milestone against the Brumbies and says he's enjoying his rugby at the moment. Roe is full of praise for scrumhalf Will Genia, who may wear the 9 jersey against the Brumbies. Roe says "gallant losses" are unacceptable to the 2008 Reds.
February 25 - Interview with Phil Mooney (wma audio file): The QR Reds Head Coach says it's possible Quade Cooper and Berrick Barnes may both play against the Brumbies at some stage. He says scrumhalf Will Genia and backrower Leroy Houston will do well against the Brumbies game, which is an important one for both teams. Mooney says the Reds have to learn to maintain pressure and admires the Crusaders' play in the Super 14.
February 19 - Interview with John Roe (wma audio file): The QR Reds captain on the challenge posed by the Hurricanes
February 19 - Interview with Quade Cooper (wma audio file): On his callup to the 22 for the Hurricanes and the competition within the squad.
February 18 - Interview with Van Humphries (wma audio files):
QR Reds lock Van Humphries said the forwards were a bit rusty in the Highlanders game but will improve. He said the Reds' fitness could not be faulted and that all teams were the same. He says teams will improve as they get used to the Experimental Law Variations. Van says he's glad Hurricanes forward Jason Eaton will be cutting off his "wildman" beard and hair for charity before the Reds meet them on Friday.
February 15 - QR Reds v Highlanders (wma audio files):
QR Reds captain John Roe said the team is not getting carried away with its first up win over the Highlanders. He paid tribute to his team's desperation in defence and rejected suggestions the Reds were not match fit. Roe conceded it will take time to complete the recovery from last year's wooden spoon season.
QR Reds Head Coach Phil Mooney paid tribute to the team's defence and to fullback Chris Latham's determination to play through pain. He said the team would enjoy the win but get straight back to work on Monday. Forwards coach Mark Bell is pleased with the performance of the Reds' front row.
