Btw: anyone here taking the 'QC (Quade Cooper) has underperformed' line should go back and look at Sully's (I'm sure it was him!) essay on GAGR analysing the variance in the Reds w-l % when QC (Quade Cooper) plays, vs when he did not (via injury typically). The difference was clear and stark - QC (Quade Cooper) delivers a measurable, significant improvement in the Reds' win rate when fit. OK, he's suffered from injuries 2012-15, but so, just for a comparative example, has D Carter. A good RU supports its very best players through all this.
I would argue that every imaginable factual analysis would show that QC (Quade Cooper) has been the Reds MVP over the 2009-2014 period.
That's before we add in his obvious Suncorp crowd-pulling power and the major economic gains from his style of play and contribution to many great Reds victories.
Next, if the QRU had concluded that negotiations with QC (Quade Cooper) had to end, it could have announced that state of being so much more constructively and decently vs the tawdry, one-sided, petty blame sheet it put out, nastily listing all of QC (Quade Cooper)'s injury periods at the end as if that was the right final coda to justify the announcement in some indirect, mean-spirited fucking manner.
Here's the alternative, in outline:
"The QRU announces with much regret that it has been unable to agree contractual terms with QC (Quade Cooper) for the 2016 and later seasons.
"Both parties worked tirelessly in an attempt to find the right mutual balance for Quade's future with the QRU and with good faith shown throughout by both parties. Both parties wanted an outcome good for Quade and good for QLD rugby, but on this occasion, it simply could not be found.
"No one is at fault here, we just could not achieve the right contractual solution at this time and in these circumstances.
"Quade Cooper's great loyalty to QLD rugby and the Reds cannot ever be questioned. He has given enormously to our rugby programs at all levels and has been a huge contributor to the Reds recent on-field successes, and to the Reds as a prominent, respected sporting team in the minds of all QLD rugby fans.
"The QRU has nothing but gratitude for Quade's time with the QRU and have nothing but the best of good wishes for his future. Just as importantly, he will always be welcomed back to Ballymore at any time and, hopefully, to one day play again for our Reds."
That the QRU chose not to announce as above, speaks volumes re their demonstrated executive culture, 2015 version, and incompetence and self-satisfied arrogance in dealing with their (dwindling) fan base. Let's recall that, in defending the indefensible, namely their HC Graham, we fans have endured endless positive leaks and media statements regarding his 'excellent commitment' coupled with the vast array of QRU excuses and get-outs offered up to explain his routine on-field disasters.
They can find that unjustified, cloying generosity and continuing indulgence for a manifestly failed coach, but not for one of their greatest ever players and greatest ever gate and sponsor money spinners.
