Reds: 'Cooper going nowhere'
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The Reds have dismissed reports that the enigmatic Quade Cooper is set to walk away from the 2011 Super Rugby champions.
Cooper has been linked with a big-money move to Europe or a cross-code switch to the NRL following his Twitter tirade against Australia coach Robbie Deans.
Cooper had criticised the "toxic" environment that had been created within the Wallabies set-up.
And although the Reds accept the fly-half is 'disillusioned' they have insisted that he is going nowhere.
"I go on the record as saying Quade Cooper has no interest in leaving the Reds," Queensland chief Jim Carmichael told News Ltd.
"He loves playing for Queensland and his country and he has reaffirmed his commitment on several occasions. Call me old-fashioned but I take him at his word.
"It is no secret that Quade is disillusioned at the moment. He's a highly competitive rugby union player who wants to help his province and his country to be the best, and I can understand this.
"We are working closely with him to deal with his frustrations."
Carmichael said rugby officials were working to address Cooper's discontent with what he described as Wallabies coach Robbie Deans' "boring" match strategy.
Cooper sparked intense speculation that he would follow All Black Sonny Bill Williams to the NRL next year after lashing out at Deans and the Australian Rugby Union on Twitter and hinting at a switch to league.
"I want to play with my brother @SonnyBWilliams," Cooper tweeted.
Cooper's injury meant he did not travel to South Africa for Australia's final two Rugby Championship matches against the Springboks and Argentina, and several in the team were reported to be furious with his outburst.
The Wallabies have been under intense scrutiny after being trounced in both of their four-nation Championship games against the All Blacks including a humiliating 22-0 defeat in Auckland last month.
They mustered desperate victories against South Africa and the Pumas and Deans is under pressure to conjure some convincing wins or face the axe.
A horror run of injuries has complicated the task, with a number of star players sidelined including successive captains James Horwill, David Pocock and Will Genia.
Genia defended the side Wednesday, saying there "hasn't been much stability in terms of combinations" and the move to South Africa ahead of Saturday's closely-watched Test in Pretoria had been good for team unity.
"They seem very focused, they seem like they're really enjoying their time over there and I think with everything that's happening it's obviously a good time for the boys to get away," he said.
Comments
benski says...
I think for the first time ever jonesy I agree with you!! JOC is a more than adequate replacement for Copper who is clearly not displaying anything like the right sort of mind-set to be playing for his country.
Posted 12:37 09th October 2012
piriaka says...
This guy is a sook - his style of play are dime a dozen in NZ
Posted 11:23 01st October 2012
firepower says...
@jonesy2 "... because to be honest JOC is a far better fly half anyway." i totally agree with you mate:)
Posted 19:29 27th September 2012
fattysock says...
I wonder if the Aussie public are starting to realise why the NZ public dislike this guy so much and boo him when he's on the pitch.
If not, it's mainly because he's a knob.
Posted 22:25 26th September 2012
melkdave says...
I can understand his frustrations at not being able to play as a former player many the time i was chomping at the bit,but its hardly R.Deans fault he got badly injured is it.Also Deans has to taylor his gameplan to who and what players he has available doesnt he.,No good having an exciting running gameplan ,if you havent the players to exacute it is there.If Q.Cooper had half a brain he would realise this ,and just concentrate on getting fitter and stronger for when his injury heals.,and maybe leaning to tackle.But then if his out of the papers for more than a day his ego suffers,hence the stupid stuff he does imo..He must also realise he has alienated many wallaby supporters this time aswell,by being his usual stupid reckless egocentric self.
Posted 14:29 26th September 2012
jonesy2 says...
he seems to be rugby's version of saffa cricketer kevin pieterson
Posted 14:14 26th September 2012
jonesy2 says...
wallabies should save wallabies spots for players who actually appreciate playing for australia and having their dreams realised.
Posted 11:52 26th September 2012
jonesy2 says...
im now starting to really dislike this man. australian rugby doesnt need attitudes like this. no pride in playing for australia. go and play league then cooper because to be honest JOC is a far better fly half anyway.
Posted 11:51 26th September 2012
rugby_rockstar says...
Twitter is pants. Why sign up to something that gives the media the chance to twist everything you say to get an outragious news story?
It's no good, the fact is that rugby players are stoopid!
Posted 09:46 26th September 2012