Wallabies captain Michael Hooper is keeping Rugby Australia hanging as he weighs up his playing future.
RA is believed to have tabled a five-year offer to Hooper in the hope of retaining the champion flanker’s services through to the 2023 World Cup in France.
But with the 26-year-old able to command upwards of a million dollars a season, Hooper says he’d be foolish not to consider other options offshore.
“I’d be a fool not to give it a bit of thought. It’s what you do,” Hooper said on Friday.
“It’s like anybody’s job. You’ve got to give a bit of thought to it to get the right outcome.”
Rugby Australia is eager to make Hooper the face of Australian rugby and the dual John Eales Medallist admits he’s living the dream playing for the NSW Waratahs and Wallabies in his home city.
“Look, I love playing here in Australia,” Hooper said on the eve of the Waratahs’ Super Rugby match against the Highlanders at Allianz Stadium.
“Firstly, I’m so lucky to live and play rugby in a city like Sydney and and I think Australian rugby has so much to give – so much to give – and that really excites me.”
Asked if a five-year deal was too much of a commitment, Hooper said contract talks were “a work in progress still.”
“Details are being worked through,” he said.
Despite hoping to keep Hooper for five years, it’s understood the governing body would also be willing to reach a compromise and sign the classy openside flanker for a shoter period.
Malo
Guest
Do a q.c or Pocock deal. Get a 5 yr deal a million a year to play solely for the Marlins with a 2 yr sabbatical.
Malo
Guest
Get a 10 year deal back ended. The bulldogs loved them , Raelene signed off on them so you should get one of them Hoops. Milk the ra for all they are worth, because they are milking the clubs and grassroots.
Drongo
Guest
They can move him to club rugby if they no longer need him. Souths in Brisbane will take him, I am sure.
Bakkies
Guest
Messi has a massive buyout clause that would make your eyes water.
Bakkies
Guest
He was more of a fetcher when he played at that Brumbies as the key to that team was breakdown work.
Fionn
Guest
I think Hooper has shown more of a willingness to do so this year.
Bakkies
Guest
Leavy and the much smaller Josh van der Flier (Ireland also Jordi Murphy there) are fetchers the likes of Haskell aren't so they rely on Robshaw who Eddie labels as a six and a half to do that work. It has become more of a problem for England with Billy Vunipola their best breakdown exponent out. The Boks moved on from having two big flankers as they weren't effective at the breakdown and their maul hasn't been strong for number of years now so they can't really play the game with the ball off the ground. Their best year since their RWC win was in 2009 when Heinrich Brussouw was picked at openside. I don't think he lost a test against the ABs when he started. There is no excuse for an experienced openside not to be contesting the breakdown as it doesn't allow his pack to control the pace of the game and the struggling defensive line to realign. Particularly when the other forwards aren't strong over the ball. When he contests Hooper is actually very good at it.
Angus Kennedy
Guest
He is negotiating his future and you say that? Retirement is a long, long time. I respect him more for not agreeing to anything but the best possible deal. He is a phenomenal player, somewhat of a rarity in this country. And don't you support that Ziggy train? Do you actually support the Wallabies? We know where Hooper's loyalties are.
Fionn
Guest
I think Teo looks more like a 13 than a 12 to me. Regardless, however, he's definitely not a playmaker. He has limited distributing abilities. I agree that Beale would be a better fullback. Having Toomua and O'Connor back in the Wallabies would solve a lot of our playmaking issues.
Train without a station
Guest
How’s it a myth if it has worked for England with a different bigger openside and does work for NZ and Ireland?
Rza
Guest
Hoopers going to sign the 5 year deal he’s just holding out for more money. At a time when RA’s future has never looked more bleak, the test captains actions are again completely selfish. It’s like RA are immune to making good decisions. People are still wondering if we can win the WC but they should be wondering how long we will remain a tier one nation. The tipping point has been and gone while many stood by and applauded the good old rugby type boys running the ship into the ground. Less fans, less talent at the top level, even less being nurtured at junior levels. The only thing that could bring back some momentum is a WC win yet Chieka is doing everything in his power to lose stubbornly.
Dan in devon
Guest
As for Beale, you are right. He is a wonderful talent. I wonder why he has not been tried at 15 as he played at the Wasps. Cheika is too rigid and stale.
Dan in devon
Guest
I would have be more than happy with the Chiefs combination of Simmonds and Hill. Slade could also play flyhalf. Ben Teo at 12 is good for me. Realistically, Cipriani must be next in line for his open play ability. A better option than Foley. Of course a lot of Aussies at the Chiefs. One interestesting one is the prop Alex Hepburn who has been in good form. He played for Perth Spirit and has been at the Chiefs a few years. Amazing what a difference a wonderful coach like Baxter makes to a team.
Bakkies
Guest
Hamish Watson is 1 metre 80 and he has been immense in Scotland's big wins recently.
Bakkies
Guest
That's a myth England went against Scotland and France with no openside and got absolutely schooled at the breakdown. They get away with it against the Wallabies as Hooper spends his time out in the backs and Pocock is either injured or on holiday.
mick
Guest
A 5 year deal for Hooper seems a bit crazy anyway. With the rumor that McMahon is coming back to Queensland, Pocock, Dempsey, and with the potential to lure back Liam Gill I think RA are nuts to be throwing so much money at Hooper. Gill's (and Mike Harris') Lyon has just beaten Toulon to make the top 14 semi finals for the first time. I'm far from convinced that Australia's best backrow isn't currently playing in Europe - Gill, Fardy, and Mowen seem to be crushing it this year!
jeznez
Roar Guru
Yep - and at 22 years old that would be a fantastic deal for RA which I wouldn't even blink at.
Ralph
Roar Guru
After watching Tupou last night - he is a absolute lock-in for the next five years.
soapit
Guest
cuw im assuming you mean soccer by footy? yeah its not too common in rugby union or league. probably the amount of money involved for l messi renegotiation becomes a bit redundant at some point. perhaps being a contact sport makes them more risk averse?
Rugnut
Guest
Absolutely agree PeterK. Remember Hooper was one of the faceless Tahs who destroyed McKenzie. He has shown very average leadership skills Has better players available in the same position Lastly he is no threat to opposition sides Lastly, he peaked 2 years ago