Khoder Nasser says his client Quade Cooper would be mad not to consider a switch to the NRL
By Ben Dorries
The Courier-Mail
April 05, 2011 7:29AM
Quade Cooper
Superstar ... Nasser says Cooper should explore all contract options. Source: AFP
Quade Cooper's controversial new agent insists the young rugby superstar would be foolish not to consider making a shock NRL defection Brisbane Broncos - after the Rugby World Cup this year.
Khoder Nasser, who manages Anthony Mundine and Sonny Bill Williams, took over Cooper's management just four days ago and has one eye on the future when his ARU contract expires in October.
Cashed-up Parramatta went close to luring Cooper to the NRL last year and the Broncos have not ruled out making a play for the rugby whiz to groom him as a potential replacement for retiring champion playmaker Darren Lockyer.
Cooper's flimsy defence is seen as a big problem in league but there is no doubt he is one of the few rolled gold stars who would be able to set the turnstiles clicking at Broncos games.
In rugby circles, Nasser is viewed as an unpredictable wildcard but the player agent has always walked to the beat of his own drum and makes no apologies for doing so.
Nasser insists Cooper, who turns 23 on Tuesday, is focused on the World Cup in New Zealand starting in September but would be silly not to consider any potential approaches from the Broncos, who are set to sign supercoach Wayne Bennett.
Nasser said: "As a manager involved with a professional athlete like Quade, I think it is important he have as many options on the table as possible. He would be foolish to rule anything like that (the Broncos) out.
"Top-level sportspeople only get to dance on the field for a certain amount of time and they have to make the most of it. There is plenty of precedents of players switching between codes and the two sports have been constantly able to mix.
"Quade is a great athlete who would be a success in whatever he tried. His level of performance creates a lot of options for him."
Cooper has had a lifelong ambition to play at the World Cup but the big question is after he plays at this year's tournament whether he will be eager for a new challenge.
ARU chief executive John O'Neill expects contract talks with Cooper over the next two months and rugby remains confident it can keep him in the code, especially with the British and Irish Lions touring in 2013.
It is believed the Broncos are unlikely to move on many signings until Bennett signs on the dotted line - because the new coach will understandably want a big say in player recruitment.
While Cooper's tackling is a concern for NRL suitors, it is his silky skills with the ball and the attacking opportunities he creates for teammates which make him a drawcard worth the risk in league.
