The Australian 13 April 2015 by Wayne Smith
In an exclusive interview with The Australian, Cooper said he had played his entire 102-cap Super Rugby career with the Reds and had no real desire to leave.
But he admitted the uncertainty about who would coach Queensland next season — with Richard Graham’s overall record slumping to 13 from 48 (six from 24 with the Reds, seven from 24 with the Force) with yesterday’s 43-22 loss to the Bulls that sent the Reds to the bottom of the table — was making it difficult to recommit.
“When there are so many things in limbo, then you have to look at what’s best for you,” said Cooper. “I can only look at what’s set in stone. The French clubs want a decision pretty quickly.”
Cooper admitted the fact that two friends with whom he has played virtually his entire professional career were leaving Ballymore at the end of this season, Harlequins-bound James Horwill and halves partner Will Genia (Stade Francais) also made him question whether he, too, should join the exodus overseas.
“I’m watching more European football and when you see Matt Giteau playing so well for Toulon, you wonder how it would be over there. I’ve spoken to Gits a few times and he really enjoys it there. But I love Brisbane and I’ve got it pretty sweet here. Great weather and the footy has usually been pretty good.”
Even the departure of Genia, with whom he formed the world’s best halves pairing in 2011, has been softened by the emergence of Nick Frisby as worthy of inclusion in a Wallabies World Cup camp.
“He’s a special player and a special person and I really rate Frisby,” he said. “I look at the things Willy and I have achieved but I’m also looking forward to the possibility of joining up with Frisby.”
Cooper said he was expecting to hear from the ARU soon on what offer he could expect, but at this point had ruled out seeking a flexible contract to play in Japan — for the simple reason no Japanese club had made him an offer.
“We’ve spoken to a few Japanese clubs, but haven’t had anything in writing from any of them. If anything comes along I’ll have to look at that (a flexible contract) seriously.”
Cooper remains on track to return from a fractured scapula against the Chiefs on June 6, which would give him that match and the final regular-season game against the Waratahs in Sydney to press his claims for Wallabies selection for the Rugby Championship and World Cup.
Asked if that left him enough time, Cooper replied: “Of course. It’s not like I’m 18 and need to be playing each week. But while I’m out injured, I’m making sure I’m studying the Wallabies’ game — and watching how the Waratahs are playing — so the knowledge is there.”
Cooper admitted the two days he had spent in the Wallabies camp had left him excited by the possibility of being coached by Steve Larkham. “Those few days with him were invaluable. When I first came into the Reds side (then coach) Eddie Jones made me model my game on Bernie in terms of seeing the big picture but I’ve never really had the sort of coaching Bernie could give me.”
