New Cup coaches of 2023: Te'o at Dolphins
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Nine clubs will go into this season's Hostplus Cup with a new coach at the helm, in one of the biggest turnovers in recent years.
With the addition of the Western Clydesdales - and kick-off to season 2023 right around the corner - the Queensland Rugby League is profiling our 10 new coaches, whether they're coming from a different club or are completely new to the Cup arena.
In this edition we talk to Redcliffe Dolphins coach Ben Te'o about his exposure to some of the world's best rugby league and rugby union mentors, and his admiration of Hostplus Cup players.
Coaching history
Te'o enjoyed a decorated playing career in both rugby league and rugby union. Throughout his league career he played for Wests Tigers, Brisbane Broncos and South Sydney Rabbitohs - where he won a premiership - and represented the Queensland Maroons. He also played one match for Samoa at the 2008 Rugby League World Cup.
Te'o retired as a player at the end of 2021 and immediately took up the mantle of coach for Redcliffe's Hastings Deering Colts team. Te'o led them all the way to the grand final, before he was appointed coach of the Hostplus Cup squad for 2023, with the 36-year-old also helping to develop players in the Dolphins NRL system.
Q&A with Ben Te'o
How did it feel to be appointed Hostplus Cup coach?
I thought that it would eventually be a natural progression but things have happened quite fast for me. I had a really good season last year with the Colts. It was my first year coaching rugby league and I learnt a lot, which I still am. I’m still trying to figure out my way. I really did want to get into coaching men as fast as I could. That’s where my passion is at.
What is your coaching philosophy?
I’ve played two codes professionally, travelled all around the world playing in different cultures under a lot of the best coaches in the world, so I think I’m mashing it all together with my own personality. I’m trying to focus on what’s important, not clogging guys’ heads with too much information… just trying to get them fit and healthy and trying to get the best out of them.
Who would you say is your mentor or strongest influence in coaching?
I’m actually pretty lucky. I have a lot of mentors in coaching. For me, really, I had a good high school coach in Greg Lenton at Keebra Park State High School. I went on to be coached by Tim Sheens at the Wests Tigers, Michael Maguire at South Sydney, and then going to Rugby I had Eddie Jones in England, Warren Gatland in British and Irish Lions, and then finding myself here under Wayne (Bennett), there’s not really much else or any other people I’ve wanted to work with. I have a lot of good mentors I can ring on the phone, people that really help me out. Some young coaches like Jason Ryles, and I also have a fair bit to do with Michael Cheika. He’s been very helpful for me. I've met a lot of good coaches that help me out.
What have been your first impressions of your squad?
I can’t believe the commitment of these players. I saw it last year with the Colts players but I know that when you go up to Hostplus Cup it steps up a level of intensity. Seeing the commitment of guys who have children, a wife at home, work a fulltime job ... they get up at 5am, they’re at work at 6am, they turn up here at 5.30pm, I’m training them so hard then they walk out of here at 8.30pm and they’re going home. They miss bed and bath time with the kids and it’s a big commitment to me. They really put in a lot of effort to be at this level. You see guys that are here for the right reasons. They love the game of footy, the mateship and that’s why it’s a special level.
What are your goals for season 2023?
My goal is very clear at this club. My goal is to get all the players better. Everyone knows there is an NRL team now sitting above us now. Guys that miss out on first grade, some are going to come back to me and it’s my job to provide the right environment and coaching, and for the team to get them better. I’m here to produce an environment for players to succeed. That’s my goal first and foremost. We want to be competitive and we want the characteristics of what this NRL team wants to be in our team as well.
Who within your squad will make their mark in 2023?
Isaiya Katoa. He’s done well in every level he’s stepped to – SG Ball, Jersey Flegg, NSW Cup. If he ends up playing any games for us before he goes to NRL, he’s definitely someone to watch. He’s a talented kid. He’s an exact example of how we don’t know how long or if we will get him at all, but we would be happy to. And if he’s gone in a heartbeat, we’d be happy and proud of him too.
