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.
Minz
Guest
The game plan also seemed to completely change in the world cup. Assume it's because "the world cup is different", but I'd have rather seen them roll the dice and come third than scrape it together.... just.... like they did.
Minz
Guest
Seriously? Against Argentina, Cooper played several very nice attacking passes, and a number which could've come off with a little more team understanding... I didn't see anything like that from Barnes in previous tests. Looked to me like Cooper brought an understanding of running rugby not matched by other options, and with time (and commitment to a game plan) it could work well.
Minz
Guest
Meh, personally, make sure that Stephen Moore's in the team. I love a good hooker, and he has such a fantastic rugby face! Then again, maybe that's just because I'm an old front-rower myself :)
Minz
Guest
Personally, I reckon a couple of years of league would be great for him - as long as the body lasted. He'd learn to tackle (nowhere to hide), and would (hopefully) grow up a bit being a small fish in a big pond. He may struggle to make a side, but who knows, with a bit of coaching he could be a handy player. And if not, well, call it an experiment and head back to union? That's what they do these days, it seems!
JB
Guest
QC should go. His intention is to play the same mind games as his mate SBW because his manager and SBW have provided him with the 'insight' that playing for your country is not, as most sportspeople would expect, one's ultimate goal. Money is. QC is brilliant, at times, no mistake. I have been known to go to some trouble to watch him play but am often left with a sense of disappointment that this brilliance hasn't somehow translated to a winning Wallaby game. So, I look at the world's best team, the AB's and realise that they don't put people like QC on the paddock because he's too UNRELIABLE. AB's are reliable as hell. They can run, sidestep, tackle, accept almost any pass, make themselves available, hardly ever fumble and above all have the instincts to convert their skills. (And make you pay for your skill errors) They are more DEPENDABLE that any other team on earth. Sure, QC may be a catalyst for people to follow and watch the game but nothing trumps consistently winning. Perhaps he'll leave and come back as a better package.
Albo
Guest
I think the Reds did rather well without him all things considered. It's when Lucas et al got injured that they started to struggle.
Blue Blood
Guest
So the ARU have made an offer of what they think he is worth. Which is only a contract top up of his already substantial Reds and 3rd party deal that he happily signed. So how much does this guy want/need to keep playing the game if he loves it? Most players will be on far less and welcome the opportunity to play the game for fair money. Many in the Wallaby squad past and present played without any Wallaby top up and did so gladly. With only 30 Wallaby top ups offered each year Cooper should be thankful for being offered one. Especially given his RWC and Super form this year. If he wanted to stay he had evey opportunity. I think he wants to walk to NRL.
Ruprecht
Guest
I for one will be happy to see the back of him. I'm sure the ARU will continue to close ranks because, at the end of the day, hes not worth the drama. As a player he is about as reliable as a Melbourne cabbie and as a "face" for the ARU and Reds he's a divisive flight risk that no matter how much you try to nurture or pander to his needs he'll still throw his toys out of the cot every once in a while. I hope he heads to league, is found wanting and sinks into obscurity before he does any more damage to either code.
crusader-in-auckland
Roar Rookie
INDEED
Red Kev
Guest
In 2012 the Reds won every match Quade played, it is an easy thing to forget and even the 2012 version got bums on seats. The Wallabies are also 2/3 with Quade this year.
RJG
Guest
Will some one buy the man a scrum cap, a white one.
Bee Bee
Guest
I think there is a team that can tolerate his toxicity. A team where he gets to hang out with SBW and Mitchell Pearce in Bondi Night clubs every other night. A team that sacks its coach because the players think he's too mean and makes them do stuff. Quade, your Nirvana awaits you. Cock-a-doodle-doo.....
bluerose
Guest
7s circuit will expose his defensive liabilities even more, i can see the big Samoan Fa'asoliva running at him all night long, he would probably have nightmares for the rest of his life
Elgusto
Guest
Who is Sherry?
crusader-in-auckland
Roar Rookie
Pick Beale at 10, stick with him and hope he finds his mojo: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ExhE0Qs0W68&feature=related
WobbliesFan
Guest
Lol.......nfi
Greg
Guest
Sad and pathetic.. self indulgent. He has been shown up as a grub, a player who cannot mix it in test rugby. I really think he and his manager thinks that all this publicity be it good or bad.. raises their "brand" and marketability. Makes you love even more players like McCaw who get eye gouged, fore armed... whatever.. and don't say a damn thing. Decorum and class. Something Cooper would think was a new fragrance and a thing he never used to go to at school. This guy is toxic for any team. I will miss seeing him getting shown up by the All Blacks in big games... throwing round the back passes in this goal area... kicking it out on the full.. relishing in the fact he is public enemy number 1 ha ha.
GWS
Guest
There's some truth in that but that was what was so great about quade that he dared to play it differently. That I Will miss
garth
Guest
Don't like players holding the code to ransom either. One reason so glad to be rid of SBW.
garth
Guest
nah, you guys can keep him.