[citation needed] After 47 London appearances scoring 11 tries, Rea retired from playing at the end of the inaugural Super League season in 1996 to take up the Chief Executive role at the club.

During his time as head coach, he led the Broncos to two post-regular season Super League play-off appearances (in 2003 and 2005).

On 8 July 2006, after a disappointing run of form for the team, the Harlequins Rugby League club announced a re-organisation of the coaching set-up.

[3] He was appointed the Brumbies 2011 head coach after Andy Friend was fired two games into the season.

[4][5] In July 2012, Rea agreed to replace Rob Powell as interim London Broncos head coach until the end of the 2012 season.