I think the sticking point with the ARU, and this is mere speculation, is that to date his Reds contract relies on an ARU top up. The ARU won't budge on boxing and/or overseas rugby sabaticals and Quade won't sign without these conditions, hence the stalemate. If he agrees to terms with the QRU that allow his boxing or whatever then they can sign a new contract that does not involve an ARU top up and it's all rosey!He can't do anything no problems at all.
Why would QC (Quade Cooper) be happy to earn zero from the ARU?
He could have done that today, but has refused point blank to do anything with the ARU to date.
I actually think the Reds have also handled this very badly. They've been too trusting of Quade (and so have I).I still feel the ARU have handled this situation very badly,
I'm not really interested in looking up RUPA agreements but I'm sure there is a section on downtime so I'll believe you on that one. I think my point was pretty obvious though. It would be rough for the ARU to say no to requests like that on the basis that the players might be worked too hard.Look up their RUPA agreement, the reason for it is to get the downtime
You think the players are overworked,and your solution is to allow them a part time job in their holiday?
Or is the suggestion the ARU should reduce the workload(and their revenues) to allow these well paid players more time to pursue other money making ventures?
Anyone think he is serious about boxing, or is he just being used as a marketing tool to drag the punters in to the $BW fight?
Ok.
I sat on the sidelines here for quite some time, quietly hoping that this was a non issue and was indeed a bit of bluff from both sides. Not anymore.
I like Quade as a player, I think he brings a hell of a lot to any team he plays for. But I believe what he is pulling here is nothing but childish. A sabbatical written into your contract must be earned. Looking at the precedent set across the ditch, look at the players that have been afforded a sabbatical.. 2 of the best to ever pull on an AB jersey.
This whole boxing gig is total bullshit. Khoder is manipulating a very impressionable young man. If Quade is going to come out and say his major love is rugby, then why the hell is he pulling this boxing bullshit? He never even hinted at boxing until recently. And for all of his expressed love for the Reds, he is most certainly putting them in a bad position: Either cut Quade loose, or have a major run in with the ARU through defending him. No player should be able to dictate terms like that.
I still feel the ARU have handled this situation very badly, but in this situation they are the lesser of two evils. What shits me the most is that the Reds have been taken for a ride here. I am REDS fan, not a fan of a guy that happens to play for my team. Above all else I support my team. I do not take kindly to people that fuck the team over. For all of his professed love of the Reds, Quade has shown them the utmost of contempt.
/rant over
It's been 12 very tough years, by the look of things.SBW is fighting the White Buffalo, Frans Botha. Botha has fought Mike Tyson, Lennox Lewis, Evander Holyfield. I thought wow, SBW is finally taking on a serious challenger. Here is Botha:
sorry that was Botha 12 years ago.
This is how he looks now.
SBW said the one thing he (SBW) has over Botha is that he is younger. Really? He's a sharp one that Sonny.
Michalek - Bit old but did OK in Paris recently.
It's been 12 very tough years, by the look of things.
Edit: Maybe SBW should take on Hopoate next. My recollection is that Hoppa was disqualified last time out for refusing to punch.That should be safe enough,with those gloves Hoppa can't do what he does best either.
Quade refers to how he has the contract with the Reds and is training with them until December, but unless Carmichael and McCall somehow pressure the ARU into letting him play for the Reds only, Quade won't play.It looks like QC (Quade Cooper)'s relationship with the ARU is not working its way out
To me, it looks like he will probably box, then play for the reds and then try for a contract in Europe for the big money.
That would effectively make his reds season a showcase for "the big contract" over there. That's some serious motivation right there.
I think he is going to have a stellar season.
Quade refers to how he has the contract with the Reds and is training with them until December, but unless Carmichael and McCall somehow pressure the ARU into letting him play for the Reds only, Quade won't play.
But my view on this is that Quade looks to be biding his time until Deans is ousted; I only speculate because he said he still loved rugby, when he could've said he wanted nothing more to do with the sport and was happy to go box or play league.
What if he only signs a QRU contract?
IF he wants a contract with the Reds after all this i doubt the ARU will say no.