SBW: Wants Quade Cooper to switch codes
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All Blacks centre Sonny Bill Williams has revealed that he is trying to convince Wallabies pivot Quade Cooper to join him in making a switch to the NRL.
Williams, who is plying his trade with the Panasonic Wild Knights in Japan, is set to make a return to the NRL in 2013 and he believes Cooper could make a successful move to rugby league.
Cooper was left out of Australia's squad for their Rugby Championship opener against New Zealand in Sydney and was criticised for his showing in the Wallabies' 22-0 Bledisloe Cup loss to the All Blacks in Auckland.
"If people are saying he is not wanted in rugby... if they think he is not good enough to be playing for Australia then I would love to lure him across to rugby league for a year," Williams told Australia's Sunday Telegraph newspaper.
"I will try. I would definitely love to play alongside him. I think he would be a success - I have spoken to him about it."
Cooper delivered inconsistent performances at last year's World Cup in New Zealand and he was booed during the global showpiece by Kiwi supporters who accused him of taking cheap shots at All Blacks captain Richie McCaw.
But Williams is convinced he will be a hit if he decides to switch codes.
"I don't have to make a case for him, you just have to click on YouTube to see what he is capable of," he said.
"He is such a great talent that he cops a lot of stick, especially in New Zealand. A lot of people have a go at him, but I think that's because he is their biggest threat," he said.
"It is more of a compliment than anything."
Comments
shsvs says...
Yeah sure no need to take career advice from him, he only won NRL/S15/RWC...and now is getting big money for few games in Japan, what a loser...
Posted 20:51 02nd September 2012
Dangerous says...
Is this one of those recommend a friend deals? Buy one get one free? Wonder if they will start putting in 30 day trial or your money back.
Posted 20:34 02nd September 2012
ArmchairGeneral says...
Why would Cooper follow SBW anywhere when he can't stay in one place for more than a season. SBW is the last person to take carrier advice from.
Posted 18:08 02nd September 2012
melkdave says...
Well i prety sure ,QC would do ok in RL,if he can improve his tackaling,he definatly needs todo some RL tackaling practices,would make him a better player for sure imo.As that is his one major weakness ,as far as the game is concerned.
Posted 17:15 02nd September 2012
Cdn_content says...
Gotta agree not post worthy but then again PR does have a crush on sbw so u need to keep him happy.
I think cooper would do well in league though its far more structured than union. He could hide in defense and get the ball in far more pre-planned situations.
Posted 15:53 02nd September 2012
new_j4a says...
A lot of people will miss those special rugby minutes...like the 14th min of the second test against the ABs....absolute magic...Cooper folded in half by a massive tackle.
Posted 15:21 02nd September 2012
rockman says...
Not Newsworthy PR!
Posted 14:20 02nd September 2012
SACanuck says...
Who cares
Posted 13:40 02nd September 2012
kpe12 says...
I can see all the forwards lining him up with shoulder barges right now.
Posted 13:07 02nd September 2012
passtheball says...
NRL .. is that like a reform school?
Posted 12:38 02nd September 2012
ridgeback says...
SBW please work on it harder....I'd like to see him there also.
Posted 12:29 02nd September 2012
cuw3100 says...
Since gang-tackling is the usual norm in League, Cooper will feel more confident knowing there is almost always another guy or two to back him up.
However as there are arely any rucks he will not be able to use any cheap knees or elbows or fists on the opponents' back :)
Posted 11:49 02nd September 2012
ChiefDC says...
I agree wholeheartedly with the youtube part,have never seen anybody before use his knee to massage R.Mccaw's jaw
Posted 11:47 02nd September 2012
KiwiLad says...
Interesting comment SBW, considdering you were so sad to leave the Chiefs, and ABs, and are now spouting how priveledged you are to be playing in Japan.
And now you are recruiting for the ARL???????
Posted 10:48 02nd September 2012
kitch says...
Yeah right!!...the likes of genia and pocock are bigger threats but they dont get booed ..esp genia who pretty much single handedly sunk both the crusaders in the super final and the ABs in the tri nations last year.. Matfield and habana are two of the best, but they didnt and dont get booed... its not a hate thing bc of his skill, origins, or polce record.. its bc hes a cowardly cheap shot charlie and seems to enjoy the bad boy image that comes with it.
as for cooper going to league.. good luck to him if he decides to go.. but im pretty sure his defence will be tested a hell of alot more there than in union.
Posted 10:17 02nd September 2012
StunTheMullet says...
Might give him some tackling practice? That or he ends up being a tackle bag.
Posted 09:59 02nd September 2012