The Queensland Reds are increasingly confident Quade Cooper will turn down a rich offer from Europe club champions Toulon and stick with the embattled Super Rugby franchise.
It has been nearly two weeks since the big-spending French club prematurely announced they had secured Cooper’s services but the Wallabies five-eighth is still to decide where his future lies.
Cooper has reportedly been offered a four-year flexible contract by the Australian Rugby Union, which allows scope for him to play in Japan should the opportunity arise.
Coach Richard Graham said on Monday he was feeling “confident and positive” Cooper would stay with the Reds, where he has spent his entire professional career.
“I’ve got no doubt that the flexible contracting, as we call it, has a big part to play,” Graham said.
“If you have a look at the (Bernand) Foley deal recently, that’s given an indication of the way things are heading – particularly for some players.
“Quade is an important piece of everything we’ve done here at Queensland and those negotiations are ongoing and in a really positive space at this stage.”
Cooper, who is still sidelined with a fractured scapula, is expected to make a final call on his playing future for next season and beyond in the next week or two.
Reds vice-captain Rob Simmons said the team was in the dark as to which way he would go.
“I’ve got no idea,” he said.
“We don’t really speak about it, it’s not really our area. We just go out and play footy.
“Personally I’d definitely love him to stay – most players would, a player of Quade’s calibre is good to have in any team.”
Cooper’s signature is seen as paramount to the Reds’ future, which became clearer last week with the re-signing of a host of players.
Simmons, captain James Slipper, Nick Frisby, Sef Fa’agase, Michael Gunn, Adam Korczyk, Andrew Ready, Sam Talakai and Jamie-Jerry Taulagi have all recommitted to the Reds while Melbourne Rebels lock Cadeyrn Neville will join the team at the end of this season.
“It’s good to have those guys stick around and show their commitment to the club,” Simmons said.
Rob G
Guest
but what about spring tour, whenever that was. I never seem to stop hearing about how brilliant he was. He should play for the wallabies until he is 80, purely on those games shouldn't he? he was that good
Rob G
Guest
Hahahaha, you have to make the team to be VC mate.
Rob G
Guest
Not sure how he affects NSW being in super rugby. He spends 90% of the season on the sideline for one.
Redbull
Guest
Reds captain and Wallabies VC maybe?
Roberts
Guest
I don't believe Quade will go, by all accounts his french is terrible!! Sacre Bleu!! Believe it or not but I think he will show allegiance to the QRU and ARU. The fans love him here and in France he will be nothing more than a mercenary! I for one hope he stays, he can unlock any defence in world rugby and can get back into form with time in the game. Everyone has their injury issues eg Danny cipriani, Aaron cruden and now Bowden Barrett. They will all recover and be world class again!
dru
Roar Rookie
TWAS, I suspect that is a very astute observation. Add RG to the mix though.
Harry
Guest
My mail is Quade wants to stay in Brissy but KN is in his ear about "new challenges". Nothing to do with the 15% Khoder will trouser if he signs with the Touls of course! The other thing in all this is there has been no trumpeting from Khoder or his mouthpiece Danny Wielder about what an enourmnous offer(s) - Million + - that Quade has received, and the moral imperative for Australian rugby to match these riches otherwise QC will scarper. I will think the best and hope that it is because of some respect for the ARU for sticking with QC in his recent years despite his many injuries and toxicgate with Deans.
LEN
Guest
Coach Richard Graham said on Monday he was feeling “confident and positive ” Quades going to Toulon then .....
AndyS
Guest
Players like Quade are an interesting problem. I'm not sure he has ever refound that spark and speed since 2011 and has certainly had an unfortunate run with injuries. So in a world where the ARU is making all sorts of contracting changes to save money, would they really be looking to lock in a significant spend on a player that may never be what he was again? Reputation and past glories aside, I would have thought the "accounting" view would be to go to a shorter contract with a reduced base/increased variable component. If his run continues as it is it wouldn't cost as much, if he comes good it won't be long before he can negotiate a normal contract, and if he decides to go overseas it indicates what chance he gives himself to make it back...?
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Harry, I suspect the key will actually be the Reds and ARU making him feel valued. Not just financially. If they make him feel like he's an important part of Australian rugby I have no doubt he will stay.
Harry
Guest
I hope Quade stays. Suspect the key will be allowing him to do his once a year payday boxing exhibition match in January. That generates big money for his manager Khoder Nasser (who at heart is a boxing promoter) and if he can do some short term stuff in Japan on big money as well in December and January then a win for everyone. Quade is one of those players who can play 12 months - and likes to when he is fit. He's had a horrendous injury run lately. Reds payroll should have some flexibility with Horwill and Genia leaving. And please tell me we aren't paying Karmichael Hunt an escalating contract. Question for fellow Reds members suffering throughout this season - who has been the bigger dud import? Hendrick Tui, who turned up with a broken leg and hasn't played a game, or Khokaine who if anything has been more useless/damaging with his exploits and then injuries?
Karl Knuth
Roar Pro
Love it Rob!
Karl Knuth
Roar Pro
You must've meant NSW would be far better off if Reds can't retain him.. Surely
Mike
Guest
Lesson 1: Don't believe anything you read in the French rugby press until the player himself actually says it. This happens repeatedly. Maybe Quade is going to Toulon, but I will believe it when he says so.
paleocortex
Guest
You're mad Mick.
Redsfan1
Guest
One can only hope Cooper goes. I can't believe people still sing his praises. For every one good thing he does, he makes five errors. Rumour is that many of his Reds team mates are annoyed at his latest attention seeking stunt of "has he or hasn't he" signed the Toulon contract. The sooner he goes the sooner the Refs can free up some cash to rebuild.
Mad Mick
Guest
Why should I tell him. Its the reds that have to get the message.
RobC
Roar Guru
Come on Quade! Queensland needs him now. Not for flashy plays, steps etc. But two things: - Gate takings. He is the biggest attraction - Leadership, experience and maturity Qld raised you, QC. Now we need you. Two years to turn the ship. Then go to EU and play. Become a coach. Then coach Qld, with Brad Thorn :)
Bfc
Guest
Geez...I (and more importantly...my kids!) hope QC stays.... Genia and Horwill deserve the gratitude of all Reds fans and I am sure most wish them well in their overseas sojourn. The Reds have re-signed a bunch of forwards and added the Rebels lock Neville, so with a backline of Frisby, QC, JOC, Kervei, CFS, Kuridrani, Hunt is not shabby. And Faingaa, Taps, Turner have added experience to contribute. For the long term, we also need an experienced fly half to help bring the young guys like Paia-Aua along, and QC seems to be very generous with his time helping new players.
Karl Knuth
Roar Pro
And why is that Mick? Be sure to tell Quade that when you see him