NZRU reportedly chasing Reds five-eighth

[Flamethrower]

NZRU reportedly chasing Reds five-eighth
AAP | Sunday, 30 March 2008
NZRU reportedly chasing Reds five-eighth - Rugby news & coverage - Stuff.co.nz


Queensland Reds officials are fighting to retain first five-eighth Quade Cooper amid allegations the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) is trying to entice him back across the Tasman.

Waikato-raised Cooper, 20, is off contract with the Reds at season's end and is weighing up his future, amid potential offers from rugby league clubs and interest from the NZRU.

Brisbane's Sunday Mail newspaper reported Cooper's management had held preliminary talks with the NZRU, which wants him to bolster New Zealand's five-eighth stocks at Super 14 level.

"We're aware the NZRU have shown interest and possibly spoken to Quade," Reds high performance manager Ben Whitaker said of Cooper, who moved to Queensland as a teenager.

"It's a bit of a surprise for a guy who has come through our system to be targeted by what's regarded as the strongest rugby nation in the world. But we've got a lot of players from New Zealand or Pacific islands playing for us.

"They (the All Blacks) are not short of a 10 (first five-eighth), but they are obviously looking to shore up their depth in one of their Super 14 provinces.

"I'm only guessing here but maybe Otago and the Hurricanes are options. The other (New Zealand) provinces are well covered at 10."

NZRU professional rugby manager Neil Sorenson was tightlipped on any talks with Cooper.

"We are always interested in talking to players who are eligible to play for New Zealand, especially if they are keen to play their rugby in New Zealand," he said.

The Reds had offered Cooper a two-year deal and would accelerate negotiations when the side return from their South African tour, Whitaker said.

[TOCC]

why would new zealand need to poach from australia, i thought they were supposedly full of bucketloads of talent.

I would love to see quade stay because he is so talented, though maoris seem to follow there hearts and family when it comes to these decisions. If he does go its not like QLD is short of talented 5/8's though, Lucas is arguably better then Quade and Barnes does alright for himself at 5/8 as well.

[tic]

^^^ Apparently Ben Lucas had a very good game at halfback for the Reds last night (v. Sharks) - good effort for the Rookie.

[James]

^^^ Apparently Ben Lucas had a very good game at halfback for the Reds last night (v. Sharks) - good effort for the Rookie.

Yeah its a shame he signed with the Reds for the next two years I think he'd have looked good in ocean blue.

[TOCC]

ha, i think there were about 3 league clubs keen on signing him, so its lucky union got in first.

The word on the street is that Luke Mclean(Perth Spirit no.15) is a better 5/8 then Lucas anyway, both are the same age, although Luke has a bit more of a kicking game. I think Luke is in Italy playing rugby at the moment, though if a team is after a quality 5/8, then Luke is the man.

[NTT]

ha, i think there were about 3 league clubs keen on signing him, so its lucky union got in first.

The word on the street is that Luke Mclean(Perth Spirit no.15) is a better 5/8 then Lucas anyway, both are the same age, although Luke has a bit more of a kicking game. I think Luke is in Italy playing rugby at the moment, though if a team is after a quality 5/8, then Luke is the man.

queensland could use him

[TOCC]

queensland could use him

another 5/8?

I dont think so, Luke can play fullback but he is better at 5/8, he was actually in Mooneys U21 RWC winning team so maybe Mooney might call him up to replace Latham, but its probably better going for a specialist fullback.

[JediKnight]

Cooper struggles to hold on to the ball (especially over the try-line!)....a bit like Digby really....therefore he should stay in Qld!!!!

[James]

another 5/8?

I dont think so, Luke can play fullback but he is better at 5/8, he was actually in Mooneys U21 RWC winning team so maybe Mooney might call him up to replace Latham, but its probably better going for a specialist fullback.

Tsk Tsk TOCC you have to get the down low on your coach man. He won the U19 Cup- Australia hasn't ever won the U21 Cup.

[TOCC]

Tsk Tsk TOCC you have to get the down low on your coach man. He won the U19 Cup- Australia hasn't ever won the U21 Cup.

yeah you are right, well it wont matter next year, both will be defunct comps and it will just be a U20 RWC.

[James]

yeah you right, well it wont matter next year, both will be defunct comps and it will just be a U20 RWC.

I think its a shame breaking down the two comps. Having both of them made for a greater opportunity for young Australian players to develop since we lack any quality domestic competition for them to play in.

[TOCC]

i think its a little dissapointing, though it does seem to make sense a bit, U19 is too young and U21 is too old, because the real talented players like Pockock, Cooper, Beale, Turner, Lealifano are all playing S14 and possibly test football and are too busy to play the U21 comp.

It happened last year with a few players when the U21 RWC was on, all the S14 U21 players were ruled out because they were in the middle of a season at the time.

I know you are still going to get some ruled out, but hopefully not as many.

[James]

i think its a little dissapointing, though it does seem to make sense a bit, U19 is too young and U21 is too old, because the real talented players like Pockock, Cooper, Beale, Turner, Lealifano are all playing S14 and possibly test football and are too busy to play the U21 comp.

It happened last year with a few players when the U21 RWC was on, all the S14 U21 players were ruled out because they were in the middle of a season at the time.

I know you are still going to get some ruled out, but hopefully not as many.

That was the U19 comp. But we still fielded a very competitive side even without Kurtley Beale, Quade Cooper, David Pocock and Will Genia.

[TOCC]

australia seems to be in one of the biggest generatation changes that i can remember at the moment. There are so many blokes U22 in the Aus S14 provinces at the moment, showing plenty of talent and looking good for the Wallabies future.

Anyway, im off to Dubai for the next few months with work, Il try and keep up with the goss and news as much as i can, im sure this forum will miss me especially .

Go Reds!

[Darren]

safe travels, hope you enjoy the dubai spring...