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The Reds must hire a coach that Quade Cooper wants

21st July, 2016
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Quade Cooper could do things that few players could do - which made it more frustrating when he did things that few players couldn't. AAP Image/Lukas Coch
Roar Guru
21st July, 2016
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3296 Reads

The Reds need Quade Cooper. They’ve been woeful in 2016.

Without the 58 test playmaker at Ballymore the Reds have been about as entertaining as root canal therapy, displaying the aggression, speed, urgency, communication and ball skills of a statue!

Despite the imminent arrival of veteran stars Stephen Moore and George Smith, the Reds are not only lacking a head coach, they are lacking a genuine back line general to capitalise on the formidable forward pack assembled for 2017.

The much yearned for success at Ballymore sought since their inaugural Super Rugby title in 2011 will fall father from the Reds radar if the Queensland Rugby Union fail to select the right coach and furthermore secure Cooper’s signature for the next three years.

However with Cooper reserving a decision on where he will ply his trade until the coaching make up at the Reds is finalised, more questions are raised.

Are the Queensland Rugby Union potentially going to avoid hiring a preferred coaching candidate to cater to Cooper’s wants?

It’s a seminal call if they do as Cooper would have clearly stated the influence he intends to bring to Ballymore in his second tenure.

I for one would not accept during negotiations Cooper has not made his own thoughts known to those making the decisions. Why would he make the QRU guess? It just does not seem logical.

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It is reported that Queenslander Nick Stiles is Cooper’s preferred option and further to that it is understood that the former Terrace prop is very highly regarded by those making the decisions.

Why wouldn’t he be considering his own playing pedigree coupled with his success as an NRC coach of Brisbane.

If this is so, why are those at Ballymore not announcing their decision until next week? Do they rate Matt O’Connor or the likeable New Zealander Todd Blackadder higher but have been unable to sell either to Cooper?

It is whispered that prior to Cooper signing on with the ARU at least one person of influence at the QRU did not rate Todd Blackadder, so I would be surprised if we were to seek the former All Black skipper with the clip board at Ballymore.

I’m not writing him off but if Cooper is influencing things serious consideration must be given to the turbulent relationship between Cooper and another former Crusaders Coach in Robbie Deans.

Perhaps the Cantabrian style is not one conducive to Cooper and the QRU do not wish to take that risk despite Blackadder’s credentials?

If Quade is going to have an influence on the final say, the question for the QRU is what coach will allow Cooper the latitude and freedom to play his best rugby as without that, success remains well on the horizon.

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Whomever it is I suggest they take a leaf out of Ewen McKenzie’s book and give Cooper leadership responsibility.

Why not? If he is going to have influence why not give him leadership also? Who could doubt that when given the Wallaby vice captaincy on the end of season tour of 2013 Quade Cooper did not play some outstanding rugby despite a undeserved yellow card and on-field argument with fellow Queenslander Rob Simmons during the Welsh test?

I submit that despite Matt O’Connor being credentialed enough to take on the role, Quade Cooper and the Reds would actually be better served by local boy Nick Stiles.

It is no secret Queenslanders like to keep things ‘in house’ but Quade Cooper and his backs will need front-foot ball if they are to threaten higher honours. Whilst Michael Foley might be looking for a forwards coaching role, I can’t think of a better combination that Nick Stiles and Brad Thorn sharpening the likes of Moore, Kane Douglas, Leroy Houston, and Smith, whilst also developing Taniela Tuopo, Michael Gunn, and Andrew Ready along the way.

Wallabyies coach Michael Cheika would quietly be comfortable with such an arrangement. Cooper, Queensland and Australia need the same thing – front-foot ball.

As legendary Queensland prop Greg Holmes stated: “What he’s done (Stiles) to help Sef Fa’agase, Taniela Tupou and Andrew Ready, three of our young props and hookers, is going to put them in good stead for seasons to come.”

In considering this I submit Quade Cooper at 28 knows enough about back line play but needs a coach that will give him the forwards to weave his magic.

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I think he would flourish under Stiles with the captains armband as the man himself said, “I’m 28 and I don’t want to waste another day of my career because of my own doing or someone else.” I think we are on the cusp of Quade Cooper reaching his true potential as a rugby player and leader. I hope the QRU gives him the right coach to do so.

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