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With Quade Cooper tweeting some unflattering opinions of Robbie Deans and the ARU, it sounds like he’s read the writing on the wall, or on a new contract with another code, and feels there’s little to be lost by putting in his grumpy two cents worth.
It would appear that he’s on the edge of saying goodbye to international rugby.
He apparently has no quarrel with McKenzie or the Queensland RU, and wants to continue playing for the Reds.
But he says he’d also like to play with his good mate Sonny Bill Williams outside him.
He doesn’t say where this would be, and only a few movers and shakers know where Sonny Bill plans to fetch up after his stint in Japan.
The most likely destination is the Sydney Roosters if they have pockets deep enough to satisfy killer agent Khoder Nasser.
Could Nasser offer SBW, currently the biggest marquee name in rugby, with Quade as a sort of bonus on the side?
Before the Rugby World Cup, this was definitely on the cards. But after Quade’s debacle in that tourney, and his less-than-brilliant play in subsequent tests matches, the double offering must have lost its allure.
SBW has been great for the All Blacks, and if available, would be their first choice for the centre spot against the Pumas next weekend.
However, Quade’s injury run and mixed performances might mean he is thought of as eminently expendable, more so if Berrick Barnes has a good game against the Boks.
Berrick, with Deans’ blessing, will kick long for territory in the thin air of Pretoria, but he’s been told not to try the speculative short stuff, and I believe he’ll comply.
If he tackles well, as he usually does, and distributes well, he’ll be seen to be the very thing that Quade isn’t – reliable.
Quade is erratic, and that’s the last thing you need in an international playmaker.
Carter/Cruden, Hernandez, Trinh-Duc, Sexton/O’Gara, Hook/Priestland, Flood/Farrell are all players who can be depended upon not to make multiple mistakes in a game.
But many Wallaby fans have little confidence in Quade these days, partly because he seems to have little confidence in himself.
He appears to be resigned to the fact that his Wallaby services may no longer be needed, specially when Halangahu comes off the injury list.
So if he goes, will he be missed by Wallaby fans?
Speaking for myself, in words of my own choosing, no.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.