Does anybody really know what Quade Cooper is doing? I believe he is leaving Australian rugby and will let everybody know on Monday. And if all the stories are right, who cut his salary and what did they expect Cooper to do?
Or did they plan for Cooper to leave? Have the ARU learned anything from this?
Some people may not be aware of Copper’s history with the ARU. They have been investing in him as far back as his school days – paying him a retainer to keep him loyal to rugby.
It would be an interesting ROI study as to what they have invested and what return they have received.
Right now, the Wallabies are having to learn to play an attacking game. So without Cooper, the backs are very easy to defend against.
For Robbie Deans and the team, this is a crucial tour.
The more attacking players in the backline, the more pressure and panic there is for the opposition team. He is certainly a great talent.
But unfortunately, he has always seemed less concerned about the team aspect and focused on his individual issues.
Cooper’s conduct off the field has been disappointing: putting himself before the team with off-field indiscretions and poor timing around major announcements.
And his obsession with social media has proved to be part of his downfall.
There’s a lot more going on off the field that has added to that perception as well. Cooper has been a poor ambassador for rugby, with many off the field incidents
So what does Deans have to say?
A month ago, he said Cooper would be welcomed back. As his relationship with Deans has deteriorated, his place in the starting side is no longer guaranteed.
It seems to me that Deans loves tell the press something, yet he does the opposite. Look at Matt Giteau.
Isn’t it strange to lose two talented players in a year?
I still think Deans has a lot to answer for as only 12 months ago he was praising Cooper. It was a similar story with Giteau.
I feel that the ARU have lost an opportunity to groom Cooper into a great Test player. His vision and anticipation are a real asset to the team.
But in my experience, flair players need guidance and mentoring. This seems to be missing for Cooper.
When he had the only two players who understand him – Beale and O’Connor – around, he played well. And the backline looked very dangerous.
But without them, he, and the team, struggled. The other players couldn’t read his vision and unpredictability and their robotic approach didn’t compliment his flair.
So where to next?
Who knows. Perhaps even he doesn’t. He won’t get the money he wants in league. I don’t think the NRL clubs can fit him in under their salary cap. Plus, he’d cop a bashing each week with even less room in which to work his magic.
So let’s wait for the next chapter for Cooper.
Deans has been pretty quiet on the subject, but what does he really think?
I am sure Cooper is as passionate about rugby, as I am. But Cooper, like me, is becoming more and more disillusioned with Australian rugby. It’s hard not to be, given how predictable their style of play has become.
One try in three matches! Seriously.
Sadly our expectations around the team have dropped. We’re happy with that win against England, even though it looked like both teams were simply trying not to lose.
Yes, we won. But it’s the way they did it. It was just a negative game to watch.
Why can’t we score tries? There’s no vision or flair. Do they practice scoring tries at training?
Why do we accept mediocrity?
I read a few comments from some people on The Roar who remarked on what great game it was! I must have been watching a different game or my expectations are far too high.
So today’s hot issue is Quade Cooper. We still don’t know if he will remain with the Wallabies.
Let’s wait and see.
Greg
Guest
I agree with Campo, Quade is a brilliant, spontaneous, attacking player who needs creative, lateral thinking players around him to shine. He might have a big ego and few times I also have groaned in dismay, but so what, a lot of confidence is still a good thing. He can get even better but I think he could do with some support from Aussie fans instead of the disproportionate criticism he cops. He's there to play rugby not win a personality-plus contest. And as for Deans how is a Kiwi ever going to REALLY commit and motivate an Australian squad? Get a passionate Aussie coach instead, someone who loves his country and team! My neighbour has a conspiracy theory that Deans is working undercover for the All Blacks and is part of a plot to destroy Australian Rugby. I find the idea funny and have a good laugh but must admit that after watching the Wallabies lose some games from inferior strategy (e.g. giving away possession all game with pointless non-territorial kicking) I start thinking maybe my neighbour is actually onto something. Those bloody All Blacks who knows what lengths they would go to!
"Ted"
Guest
Agree with you completely The nexus Deans/ Nucifora are at the heart of this . their efforts to replicate Pontius Pilate insult the game and the jersey. . Deans should man up and take responsibility for his calls - and his medicine .
joeb
Guest
"Anyone who thinks the ARU would do this with its relationship with QRU further impaired without clear input from Deans is Naive in the extreme. No conspiracy here , cold hard decision." It's difficult to understand exactly what Deans wants; seemingly so often it's only after the fans air their grievances and dissatisfaction with results that he reacts and makes changes, but you still wonder does he know what he's doing? And realistically isn't 5 years in the job, 3 wins from 18 matches against the Abs, a fair go for any coach? Prior to last Saturday’s win his win-loss ratio was 57 point something. If there is a conspiracy, it seems to be to keep McKenzie out of the job indefinitely, certainly for as long as possible, and in the process damage Wallaby hopes till hell freezes over. And seemingly the ARU aren’t too fussed about the situation either, but some of us have had enough of the gross incompetence.
Neuen
Roar Rookie
Yeah Australia's pivot have always been the 9 position. Without Genia they look way different.
"Ted"
Guest
Yes or no re Quade could go on for a year - amazing how many want their say . However the real issue is - what was the ARU/Nucifora/Deans objective re Contract and why ? The ARU are not stupid - pretending this is a thoughtless action is naive in extreme . The facts lead to a clear conclusion - not a conspiracy - just hard nosed decision - with those party to it hiding behind expressions of the opposite. - ARU knew that this contract would cost QRU and Reds - according to them - and weaken SuperRugby as well if not the Wallabies - why would they do that without a purpose . ? Why would - ARU give up their options for next season if Q had good opening super rugby - good for all Oz SR - and poss Wallabies.? They wouldn't - not to save a 100k or so retainer . Knowing this proposal clearly risked losing Quade, the ARU would NEVER go forward without discussing with Deans . If Deans did I not want to lose the option the ARU would never give the Coach the opportunity to later say he was not supported and was sidelined without his knowledge. Contracts are for professional players - they get paid for services - an incentive contract , despite the twist Nucifora puts on it from the other side of his face , don't give the security of retainers particularly through periods of injury - a workplace hazard well known to many Wallabies this year in particular . The ARU had the chance to penalise Cooper with say a one year ban - many would say - harsh, but fair . But again ARU didn't. What are we left with ? The only path is clear . The ARU did what they would always do and discussed with Deans . deans has told ARU that he would not pick Cooper in the foreseeable future . As such there was no point to renew with a retainer and no likelihood of an incentive payment . Thus no Quade. Anyone who thinks the ARU would do this with its relationship with QRU further impaired without clear input from Deans is Naive in the extreme. No conspiracy here , cold hard decision
joeb
Guest
“When he had the only two players who understand him – Beale and O’Connor – around, he played well. And the backline looked very dangerous.” There you go, spot on, so it’s really essential the three-amigos reunite in Wallaby gold, sooner than later, and not forgetting the Genia/Cooper partnership either, the intuitiveness they have for each other’s play. “One try in three matches! Seriously.” Seriously. Apparently boring numbing defence is all the rage these days. “Sadly our expectations around the team have dropped. We’re happy with that win against England, even though it looked like both teams were simply trying not to lose.” Yes, it was good to get a win, but really we only managed it because England – Toby Flood – didn’t take his/their shots at goal when on offer, otherwise they would’ve snuck home, and as some have said, perhaps losing would’ve forced the ARU to shorten Robbie’s tenure some and hire someone else, and as we know there’s really only one individual with eligibility for the position currently, and the sooner he’s appointed, the better off we’ll be. This “till the end of 2013” business with the incumbent irks me no end; losing precious sleep over it. “I read a few comments from some people on The Roar who remarked on what [a] great game it was!” There’s a verse in a song that goes, “Here comes the blind commissioner, they’ve got him in a trance; one hand is tied to the tightrope walker, the other is in his pants; and the riot squad, they’re restless, they need somewhere to go, as lady and I, look out tonight, from…” It pretty much sums up the “great win” claim because this current England team – on that performance – aren’t a shadow of the great 2003 Woodward-coached and mentored team. For this England team to have a hope vs the All Blacks tomorrow week, they’ll need to lift 50 to 75%, imho, or be demoralised. “So today’s hot issue is Quade Cooper. We still don’t know if he will remain with the Wallabies.” Here’s hoping he does.
jameswm
Guest
Maybe they can win it without him, but it'd be harder than winning with him. Having him there makes the team better. It's come to a Deans v Cooper issue.
Riccardo
Guest
Yep. Spot on. We need the Wallabies to be a performing as much as the Wallabies need their annual fixtures against the All Blacks and Springboks. Good for the top 3 teams on the planet and therefore good for rugby. And even the most fervent Blackness supporter enjoys seeing a gifted player at his best; whether he can attain those heights again is the question.
Neuen
Roar Rookie
I always thought you fix your rugby at lower levels. Where are the next youngster in the assembly line? Surely one player cannot hold a country ransom because there is not much back up? If you go one level lower and look at this years Super Rugby. Australia team saved by competition setup rather than points that was enough for a knock out game. One could see problems for Australia in future from Super Rugby alone. Especially when Reds were hit by a couple of injuries. Brumbies did well until they lost their 10. Cheetahs lost their way after losing their pivot. So number of teams depth were exposed when you compare it to a team like Stormers who did well even after losing 5 or 6 loosies.
Dexter William
Roar Guru
I think a lot of us Roarers would prefer to hear from Campo than you. If you did not want to listen to Campo, why are you reading his post and responding.
Dexter William
Roar Guru
Robbie Deans did not have a openside to replace Pocock, and you think that he is great? Look at the way we were beaten by the Irish. MaCabe kept keeping held up in that whole match and you did not remember that?
Spencer
Guest
Excellent idea DS.
Dexter William
Roar Guru
It is the same argument that Super Rugby is a far cry from Test Rugby.
Spencer
Guest
I think he can. He would qualify as the OS pro. He still holds a NZ passport.
Tim Schuster
Roar Rookie
Yeah Imagine the universal acclaim if Cooper stuck it out at the reds and played his way back into the Wallabies. It would be the ulitmate PR Coup!. It is there for him if he wants it.
Dexter William
Roar Guru
Not true Down in Melbourne. Cooper played behind a rubbish pack against the French who concentrated in attacking our scrum in that match. We played the best Test in years, scoring more than 50 points on that night.
Dexter William
Roar Guru
Before the RWC we were playing attacking rugby. And at the RWC and after we play negative "not to lose" Rugby. What do you expect from the team that practice one style and perform in another. Thus the whole team suffered especially attack focus players who were not allowed to go wide.
Stanley Grella
Guest
Ive been through the statistics, in several different ways. When you take out dead rubbers, Quade isn't having an impressive career at all. He is a great superugby player and extremely important to Queensland. He is still an unproven test match player, struggling for Consistancy. Most importantly he is on strike 6, Lote (who statistically was one if the best wingers to ever play the game and had a direct impact on nsw attendance) lost his contract on strike three, a system we were told applied to everyone. The ARU have been beyond lenient on th guy, unfortunately instead of pulling his socks up he has continued to flaunt the rules due o hs own ego.
Fernando
Guest
Campo, please close your mouth, if only for once!!! And if not, why not you try to be manager or coach, then you will see how easy it is.....
Freddles
Guest
Never a truer word said RK.