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For most professional rugby players, knowing their next move is priority number one. Not so for Michael Hooper.
The Wallabies’ most-capped captain says after more than a decade of playing at the highest level, he is in no hurry to make a decision on his future beyond this year’s World Cup. Even, astonishingly, if that means not having a deal sewn up before the World Cup.
“There’s a bit of ambiguity in the air. Ambiguity in my mind, too,” Hooper told reporters on Thursday ahead of the Waratahs’ must-win match against the Western Force in Sydney on Saturday.
“I’ve not got anything lined up for next year.”
Michael Hooper says he’s in no rush to sign a new deal ahead of the World Cup. Photo: Paul Kane/Getty Images
Having taken a two-month break from the game last August because of burnout, The Roar can reveal Hooper has turned down multiple offers overseas and is happy to go with the flow.
“I’ve been in a contract for a long time it seems like now,” Hooper said.
“Since the end of 2009 I’ve [been] signed in Australia and I had that little dip off to Japan [at the start of 2021] but aside from that, it’s all been in Australia.
“I don’t know what the next thing is going to look like. It’s a nice position to be in to be open to all aspects and that’s playing, that might not be playing, that’s having time off, that’s whatever. I’m completely an open book or start the next chapter. I’m actually really excited by the fact that I don’t know what I’m doing.”
By pushing a decision further down the road, Hooper is likely forgoing himself hundreds of thousands of dollars.
But Hooper isn’t on the hunt for the next deal, he’s on the scent of the right move in his life.
“Yeah, I guess, you eliminate a lot of options when you leave that open, right?” he said. “But it also opens up a lot of options.
“You’ve got to be prepared that it might not work out. I’m prepared that something might not pop up and then roll with the punches, but that’s super exciting. There’s some good things on next year, not only here but around, so I’ll keep my mind open.”
Michael Hooper has left the door ajar to play at next year’s Olympics. Photo: Rugby AU Media/Stuart Walmsley
One of those things could be a late tilt at playing at a maiden Olympics campaign.
Ahead of last year’s international season, Hooper mentioned his interest in the Olympics.
Once again, the openside flanker, whose pace, work-rate and engine has seen him a first-choice player by four successive Wallabies coaches, brought up the globe’s biggest event unprompted.
“There’s an Olympics,” he said, before cheekily adding, “there’s rugby league. I’m joking. I’m an open book.”
Australia’s men’s sevens coach John Manenti said he would welcome Hooper making himself eligible.
“Yeah, he’s got all the skill sets, he’s got the experience, obviously he hasn’t played for a long time, but if he’s prepared to put himself up for selection through some lead-in tournaments, he’d be of great interest to us,” Manenti told The Roar.
Asked what players like Hooper can provide, Manenti said their value extended beyond the tournament play.
“Definitely. The lessons aren’t just in the event, the lessons are ongoing and the value has lasting effects,” he said.
Meanwhile, Hooper said he was far from satisfied with where his form was currently at with the Waratahs, but acknowledged it was a long year and it was about peaking at the right time.
“I feel great. Obviously really motivated with what’s ahead on the season,” he said.
“I don’t think I’ve played my best rugby. I think I’ve still got a lot more to give to this team and what I’m capable of, so I’m chasing that.
“It’s not through lack of effort. I’ve just got to find where I fit and how I can really contribute to this team well and sort of unlock my skill set within the game.
“In saying that, I’m having some good patches, some really good involvements, and some not-so-good involvements. I just want to flip those other ones, so the efficiency ratings are just way up.”
Michael Hooper says Eddie Jones’ appointment will bring an added edge at Wallabies training. Photo: Karen Watson
Hooper said he had to improve his accuracy around the breakdown and added he wanted to be “more dominant in the tackle area” on both sides of the ball.
One of Australia’s most experienced players alongside incumbent captain James Slipper, Hooper said the World Cup was fast approaching and he was excited by next week’s first Wallabies camp under Eddie Jones.
“Guys [are going to be] on edge, I think that’s going to bring a really good edge to the camp,” he said. “No one knows what to expect.
“The great thing about a World Cup year is it’s like a sprint. There’s 150 days now until it’s on time. It’s going to come around before we know it.”
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.