Jon Buchanan has joined Brisbane Tigers and will coach the Intrust Super Cup side next season, replacing Terry Matterson who has accepted a role as assistant coach with Brisbane Broncos.
Matterson – who had been serving as the club’s head of football – was originally named last month to take charge of the team in place of Craig Hodges, who was at the helm for the start of the 2020 season and reflected on his time with Brisbane Tigers (formerly Easts Tigers) with great positivity.
“I would like to thank Easts Tigers for giving me the opportunity to contribute to the football club,” Matterson said.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time, making many lifetime friends and look forward to watching them achieve success in the future.
“Thanks to Keith (Phillips, club president), Brian (Torpy, CEO) and both the Leagues and Football club boards for their support over the last 20 months.
“The Cup squad is taking shape and we have some exciting juniors coming through the system from under 13 through to Hastings Deering Colts.”
Tigers CEO Brian Torpy thanked Matterson for his contribution to the club and was excited to welcome Buchanan to the Tigers.
“Terry has been great for the club and whilst we are disappointed he will be leaving us, we wish Terry all the very best of luck with the new role,” Torpy said.
“I have no doubt he will make a positive contribution to the Broncos.
“Jon has a wealth of coaching experience, both as an Intrust Super Cup and representative coach.
“He has excellent rapport with his player and has the ability to bring the best out of them.”
Buchanan, who was in charge of the XXXX Queensland Residents representative side last year, will take the head coaching position with more than 170 games of Intrust Super Cup experience to his name, having coached both the Wynnum Manly Seagulls and the Souths Logan Magpies.
Buchanan said he was eager to be named head coach of a powerful club such as Easts.
“I’m really excited to be at a really strong club that wants success, and I get the opportunity to lead that,” Buchanan said.
“I’m looking forward to it.”
When asked the kind of culture he wanted to instil within the club, Buchanan focused on creating a environment where players succeed as both players and people.
“I want to create an environment where everyone is willing to improve as both footballers and individuals,” Buchanan said.
“Then hopefully, collectively, as a group we can benefit from that.”
