Quade Cooper’s rollercoaster rugby union career has hit another down, with the former Wallaby playmaker set to look overseas for a new home after falling out of favour with new Queensland Reds coach Brad Thorn.
The Reds’ most-capped back with 117 appearances, 29-year-old Cooper appears to no longer be part of Queensland’s plans.
Both Cooper and halfback Nick Frisby, who won five Test caps off the bench in 2016, are on the outer, despite being contracted to the Reds for nest year.
The Reds won’t stand in either man’s way if they’re offered a contract elsewhere.
“I’ve had honest conversations with Quade Cooper and Nick Frisby about where they currently sits in our plans for 2018,” Thorn said.
“They are not training with the Reds at the moment and will be training with training their club instead.”
(AAP Image/Dave Hunt)
Skilful playmaker’s Cooper’s 70-Test career also appears over, after having been left out of coach Michael Cheika’s Wallabies squad since his last match against Italy five months ago.
Cooper was brought back by Queensland in 2015 from French club Toulon and still has two seasons left on his Reds contract.
He is again likely to seek overseas options with very little chance of being secured by another Australian Super Rugby franchise.
The Brumbies confirmed on Sunday they already had a full roster for next year.
The Rebels, who have signed Cooper’s long-term Reds and Wallabies halves partner Will Genia, said they were too advanced in their planning for 2018 to consider him.
NSW have first-choice Wallabies five-eighth Bernard Foley firmly entrenched as their starting No.10.
Japanese or European clubs could potentially offer Cooper a new home.
Australian under-20s star Hamish Stewart is the only other specialist five-eighth on the Reds roster, though emerging centre Duncan Paia’aua played at 10 for the Wallabies against the Barbarians this year and could also fill that spot.
Frisby, 25, lost his starting spot to James Tuttle over the last few rounds of this year’s Super Rugby competition.
The Reds still have three other halfbacks on their books apart from Frisby in Tuttle, Moses Sorovi and uncapped Tate McDermott.
With former Wallabies hooker and captain Stephen Moore deciding not to play on next year and legendary Test back-rower George Smith’s future clouded by a potentially career-ending back injury, the Reds are undergoing a changing of the guard under Thorn.
With a glut of good young locks emerging, Queensland had previously released experienced Wallabies lock Rob Simmons.
Dual rugby code international Thorn is clearly investing in local youth after enjoying success with the Queensland under-20 Super teams in 2016-17 and leading Queensland Country to the 2017 NRC title.
piru
Roar Rookie
It is now Wednesday after the Sunday when the news broke. Still no statement from anyone who matters at QRU or ARU level. Give it 48 - 72 hrs mate
piru
Roar Rookie
Comedy mainly, spliced with a shot at Marshall who tries so hard to appear impartial he says silly things. I don't remember him saying Cooper was dangerous. I do remember him being asked by the Fox Cheer Squad whether Cooper was the best number 10 in the world - and instead of just laughing and saying no, he elected to respond that he was 'the best rugby player in the world' - which was also silly.
JP
Guest
To be fair, Carozza was good winger.That`s about it though.
Jumbo
Guest
Who really cares about this guy.
RugbyFan
Guest
Lol no they didn’t Richie McCaw states in his biography they always knew Cooper was a weak link so did Henry. But sure make up your own facts.
Illya Kuryakin
Guest
If that's the case Jacko why the half smart replies?
Drongo
Guest
Taylorman, I am referring to fox hater. And he knows it.
Marto
Guest
It`s a fact Foley is the worst 10 Australia has ever produced.Can you tell me why NSW cannot produce a decent 10 ? ... The last one was Mark Ella in 1985......32 years ago.
Marto
Guest
WACKO, Go home you annoying UNZUDDER !!
Marto
Guest
Go to bed Piwu....
Muzzo
Guest
Hey Jacko, just a little adjustment, mate, as it's Scott "Razor" Robertson that was the rookie, not Robinson. Cheers.
JP
Guest
Bernard Foley played 15 games and they only won 4 for the whole season…He played in all 4 wins ??? He played in 11 losses.Tahs came 16th.How`s his percentage work out for you Brainiac ?.haha
piru
Roar Rookie
I only really get involved in these threads for Marto's banter,but he seems to have run out of material or got himself stuck in a feedback loop
Marto
Guest
Jacko prefers that park footballer Foley at 10 as he is reliable and safe. hahahahahaha
Marto
Guest
Dave, look after your brother Piru, he is still trembling and quivering after seeing his hero Bradley Thorn coaching his now favourite super rugby team. ooooooooo aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah !!
JP
Guest
NRC is hit a giggle stuff.Jake Mcintyre was the 10 for Brisbane City when they won 2014-2015 back to back titles ,where is he and the coach Stiles now? .Thorn is a dud and,i especially have no time for New Zealanders coaching aussie teams.
JP
Guest
It won`t be huuuge anymore.Crowds of 8 -10 k will be the norm again..
JP
Guest
^ Foley throwing passes to the opposition and them scoring which he has done at least 5 times.England, AB`S, SA and Scotland twice.I'm sure their is more.
Jacko
Guest
Lived in Brisbane since 89 if that helps. Spent many hrs at REDS games and was a season ticket holder on 5 different years since that time.Played locally for a few seasons but the knees didnt like it..........Tokoroa sounds like a lovely little spot for a Bach....Wasnt Quade from Tokoroa?....Are YOU from Tokoroa??? Kids were away for the weekend as the youngest is now 27 and they dont live at home but had an awesome time with the grandkids...thanks for asking...really appreciate it
Jacko
Guest
I guess that explains why you want Quade playing for the REDS so badly