Quade Cooper’s audition for a Super Rugby lifeline heads to Fiji on Saturday as the Melbourne Rebels circle the out-of-favour playmaker.
The former Queensland and Wallabies star is reportedly close to inking a deal with the Reds’ Victorian rivals following two months of negotiations.
Cooper will captain Brisbane City against the Fijian Drua in the second round of the National Rugby Championship in Lautoka.
The 30-year-old boasts 70 Test caps and 119 Super Rugby appearances, but has languished in Brisbane club rugby since Brad Thorn’s arrival at the Reds last season.
Cooper has repeatedly expressed his desire to stay put despite the fact he didn’t train with the top squad last season and isn’t in Thorn’s 2019 plans.
But Rebels coach David Wessels hasn’t been deterred in his chase for the fallen star, according to rugby.com.au, meaning a reunion with former Reds premiership-winning teammate Will Genia in the halves is on the cards next year.
Preparing for a return to Suncorp Stadium with the Wallabies, Rebels scrumhalf Genia is of the belief Cooper could turn the Rebels into a premiership force.
“That’s (a proven No.10) probably our biggest missing piece,” he told rugby.com.au ahead of Saturday’s Test against South Africa.
“So to have someone in the team who has won a title before and has had that success would make a huge difference.
“I know Dave is definitely keen on him and wanted to have a few conversations with him.
“Hopefully they can come to some sort of agreement.”
Cooper will pair with another fallen Reds star in Karmichael Hunt for Brisbane City, having lost their NRC opener to the Western Force 47-29.
Stu
Roar Rookie
Too right. Most coppers I know could do with some extra money.
Ruckin' Oaf
Guest
Hey Jacko, So they finished closer to the top and bottom simultaneously in the one season. That's impressive. Except um you realise that there were fewer teams in 2018 right? You know part of the easier draw and extra resources that were supposed to help the Aussie teams out. And still the Reds were closer to the bottom than they were last year. For those who support Qld Rugby rather than Brad Thorn that's a concern.
Jacko
Guest
Der...they also finished closer to the top...thats what happens when you remove teams.......won more games too......Also introduced a few new Wallabies from a very young squad...
Ruckin' Oaf
Guest
Jacko, Easier draw, more resources and the finished closer to the bottom than they did last year. This isn't golf Jacko the purpose of the season is NOT to finish with the lowest score. Now maybe, in time, Thorn will prove to be the messiah you already think he is. But in terms of results - on and off the field - 2018 Reds finished in a worse place than 2017.
jacko
Guest
Haha yeah the reds have been so fantastic WITH QC over the past few years.....Without QC they have the most wins for a few years......but you refuse to see that....whatever...
Ruckin Oaf
Guest
Yeah Souths crowds were up. And they made the finals this season after finishing 7th in 2017. Gee better results on field and off AFTER Cooper started playing for them. And how did the Reds go again ? Lower crowds and down the ladder. Must just be a coincidence .
Ruckin' Oaf
Guest
"where Thorn wants to take the Reds" Yeah the wooden spoon. Who wouldn't want to miss out on the race to the bottom.
brian
Guest
Given Cooper has just had a season of "park" rugby, he would be mad not to go and play 8-10 matches at next level in Japan. Would be a great, lucrative, and culturally interesting pre-season. A good sneak preview of local venues and their tracks before the RWC? But a good pre-season with new team mates and coach in Melbourne would be Wessells' preference. Assuming Copper is happy to give up the bucks. And who doesn't need a few dollars more?
Jacko
Guest
Were Souths attendences up? Even tho they won nothing with both QC and Hunt. Thorn has nothing to answer to you for TWAS.....Only to his bosses and they seem to be very happy with him.....Gotta get better this year tho even with the young side he has
Rhys Bosley
Roar Pro
The Rebels had a good back line this year and everyone expected them to make the finals ...
Jacko
Guest
Interesting thought re Barnes......I always felt he never quite had it...always chose the safe option....but I have not watched him for a long time.....Stewert is progressing nicely I thought and DP is also looking to mature.
Machooka
Roar Guru
An old firm... made new again? I hope this 'news' is correct and QC doesn't go to Japan for the bucks ;)
Clash
Roar Pro
Escellent. Getitrightupye Thorn and Cheika. Will be wonderful to watch a good backline and expect to see The Rebels in the finals... along with raised gate takings in Melbourne of course.
ethan
Guest
Especially in a WC year. It's not the year you typically look to the future.
ethan
Guest
Hell of a backline, especially as Genia-Cooper & Cooper-Toomua are proven combinations.
enoughisenough
Roar Rookie
Yes Thorn has much to answer for. If the Rebels come to Suncorp next season it will be the biggest crowd of the year and lots of support for Genia and Cooper. Souths attendances will fall..
Highlander
Guest
Debreczini has had a great start to mitre 10 cup in NZ with northland, surrounded by expansive ball runners he has looked really at home, kicking from hand is unrivalled in Aus. A little more leg speed and he will be a 10 worth having at Super Rugby level.
soapit
Roar Guru
a bit crazy to not sign someone at 30 because it blocks pathways for youngsters if you ask me. thats pretty much prime age for a pro footballer.
jeznez
Roar Guru
Yeah, that would work as well. English had slipped my mind when I popped that together. Pretty solid depth being built there.
Red Block
Roar Rookie
So let's get this right. The Reds said to Genia, 'No thanks, we've got enough halfbacks.' Than turned around to Quade and said, 'You're not part of the bigger plan.' And recently their attack coach Paul Carozza has resigned. So wouldn't it make sense to have a couple of experienced halves guiding a young team around the park. At the ABs all players get to voice their opinions about oppositions and attacking structures to counter them. So yet again, we Reds members get to watch former Reds players who were unwanted, guide teams to bigger and better things. Over it!