Quade Cooper and Nick Frisby have reportedly been told by new Reds coach Brad Thorn that neither are part of the side’s plan for 2018.
While Frisby’s demotion is not shocking, he was outplayed at times by youngster James Tuttle last season, the fact that a capped Wallaby is deemed not to be of use in any capacity around the team is surprising. Cooper’s omission is, however pretty staggering.
Cooper divides opinions, so I won’t turn this article (and the comments section) into a debate about whether he was underrated, overrated or anywhere in between. But whether you rated him or not, a bit like Shane Watson, there’s little to no argument that the guy had freak-levels of talent.
Cooper just seemed to rub some people the wrong way and couldn’t do enough to turn that image around.
Cooper is a regular on the touch football circuit in Brisbane, often showing up at weeknight competitions and offering to fill in for teams who need an extra player. But that good will doesn’t reach those outside of Brisbane who seem hell bent on chopping him down.
People don’t like that he’s not a great defender, but he’s hardly alone in that category. They don’t like that his management often shop him around to get the best deal possible for him, so, basically what a good manager should do.
They don’t like that he dabbled in boxing part-time, how dare he pursue something of interest to him.
In fact, if it had been Cooper rather than Foley throwing passes to nobody leading to the opponents scooping them up and scoring on the recent European tour, there’d have been mobs with torches out looking for him. But because it’s Foley the collective reaction is just a shrug of the shoulders because there’s nobody better right now.
(AAP Image/Dean Lewins)
I always loved watching Quade. To further the analogies with cricket, like Adam Gilchrist he’s the sort of player I never complained about having to pay to see, because he was an entertainer. And I was fully of the knowledge that those sorts of players don’t always deliver the winning result, it’s a gamble you take in the name of making your product actually enjoyable to watch as a spectacle.
And at the end of the day, that’s what sport is about. If we weed out the guys who make the game entertaining, I’m not sure that’s actually in the game’s best interests.
‘Solid’ fly halves who will get you through a game without major incident are a dime a dozen. Game-breakers are in short supply.
The ship may have sailed on Cooper’s international career, but at age 29 it’s ridiculous to think that a player of his ability, with 70 Test caps and 117 Super Rugby games experience, would not be of use to a Super Rugby team.
But it appears to be the case. The Waratahs won’t shift Bernard Foley to make room, nor should they. The Rebels have already basically bought the Western Force squad plus Will Genia, and the Brumbies are adamant that they’ve locked up their playmaker positions for next season.
But Cooper is still contracted with the Rugby AU and Queensland Rugby Union. It’s complete madness to think that he could be running around Brisbane Premier Rugby grounds next season.
Though it would be in keeping with the Reds’ policy of completely throwing money down the drain, next season they’ll be coached by Brad Thorn while at the same time still paying Nick Stiles and have just reached an agreement to pay out John Connolly (remember when he was at the Reds? Exactly).
(AAP Image/Dave Hunt)
For the Reds, who knows what the plan is. Last year it was to stockpile old heads, add experience, leadership, build a culture.
This year its the complete opposite. A clear out of all the old farts in favour of a hungry young crop. Cooper and Frisby look set to join Stephen Moore and Rob Simmons on the way out, and George Smith’s return is looking questionable.
It’s worth a try, I guess. The Reds can’t be any more of a disaster than they already are so why not roll the dice? I still can’t shake the view that Cooper should be a part of it.
Whatever your opinion of him on the park, the guy is box-office. He ensures you’ll get newspaper inches, TV air time and bums on seats. And unless you’re winning each week, which the Reds aren’t, that sort of player is usually worth his weight.
The problem now is that the Reds have got themselves into a position where they’re carrying all of the weight without enjoying any of the benefits.
gatesy
Roar Guru
Thanks for getting personal, Wobblies. There is room for every point of view here, it seems!
JP
Guest
15K is a good crowd average.Put up the numbers for the other 4 teams from 2014 to 2017. Jacko
JP
Guest
tamaolevao Woooooooosh Gooooorne.
JP
Guest
He failed for two years when he first switched to Union in 2001 and 2002,. He even said he wasn`t good enough and refused the AB jersey.You know he did.Then Thorn came back in 2003 after playing ITM CUP. He will still be a dud coach unfortunatley.
Will W QOS
Roar Pro
No need to wonder. I will explain. Having grown up with a Kiwi father (from Auckland) who is like the majority of Kiwis a passionate follower of the All Blacks (and his beloved yet frustrating Auckland Blues) I seem to have inherited the love of rugby, This includes taking great enjoyment watching not only my beloved yet frustrating Reds, but all things rugby. I will admit I have taken great joy watching Quade Cooper in his prime, not unlike my similar happiness watching the likes of Carlos Spencer, Christian Cullen et al. I can be accused of defending Quade Cooper and also questioning Brad Thorn and the QRU's decision to sideline him this season (if that is actually what ends up happening!). I have had the fortune to meet this young man on a few occasions and indirectly have witnessed the work he has done off the field. At the same time remembering his earlier indescretions and behaviour, I was indeed impressed with his behaviour and in particular his treatment of the kids, our valuable future for the game. So I defend Quade but I do it only for the love of rugby as I am staggered by the decision. Many of the comments here that attack his character and his off field 'influence' are unfounded and typical tall poppy muck. That is why I am on this thread.
Will W QOS
Roar Pro
Sorry I wrote poorly so the error is of course mine. Deans was Head Coach between 2000 and 2008. Thorn played under hime 2001-2004 and upon his return from the Broncos in 2008. So still I am almost 100% they crossed paths at some time.
Will W QOS
Roar Pro
Confused Jacko - are you agreeing with me or not? Pretty sure Cooper didnt miss a tackle on the Spring Tour. Michael Chieka's coaching is not being debated here - although his treatment of Cooper has been indeed questionable. As to whether he should have been named Coach of the Year in 2015 - I am sure he would trade the award gladly for a night with the Bledisloe. It's probably the Coach's equivalent of winning the Truancy prize at school.
Ruckin Oaf
Guest
Hey Jacko, I dunno if you actually watched the spring tour this year but it wasn't one that a Wallaby fan would be boasting about. Unless 1 win from 3 is the new gold standard in Wallaby performance.
JP
Guest
Foley has the bigger issue of just not being good at anything.QC at least has a go at tackling (even if high). Foley hides on the wing, doesn't attempt to tackle or gets run over.We are stuck with him at 10 till 2019.If anyone thinks we will win a World Cup with possibly a flyhalf that is not even in the top ten best is dreaming or a Waratah supporter.
Marto
Guest
Yes Jacko, even you know it makes sense ..Foley won`t win you a world cup.....
JP
Guest
He already has 81 tests and is a Waratah now.He is still not in his prime as a lock and under Cheiks he will fly past 100 tests in 2019. He will only be 37 when he reaches 200 tests.200 will happen.You know it.
G Slacker
Guest
The braindead at it again, you can't even make up your own insults, you need to recycle mine. The lack of creativity must be a side effect from eating too much glue as a child. Oh the sad life of the obnoxious a-hole on the internet.
Marto
Guest
Slackerrrrrr..I see you are still keeping up the average work .. What`s the G stand for ? hahahahahahaha
Ruckin Oaf
Guest
What a fan can't have an emotional investment in their team. Those who pay for tickets and membership shouldn't have any kind of expectation that they will get value for money. "the point is that only one side of this argument has anything on the line here…." is completely wrong, irrelevant and should thusly be ignored.
Ruckin Oaf
Guest
With Cooper the Reds have performed better than without Cooper. Simple as that. So let's play without him. You seem to forget your definition of insanity pretty easily.
Marto
Guest
Those extra thumbs from you trisomy 21 which is a genetic disorder caused by the presence of all or part of an extra 21st chromosome & gravel for a brain are working well Slackerrrr. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Ruckin Oaf
Guest
I kinda pointed out how important wins would be a couple of days ago. The big question is are wins more or less likely without Cooper.
Ruckin Oaf
Guest
What scientific evidence ?
mtiger
Guest
Then Bennet should coach the Reds
mtiger
Guest
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