DUAL-CODE STAR BACKS QUADE TO MAKE JUMP
QUADE Cooper could become a star in the NRL next season if there was a club prepared to take a risk on him.
That’s the view of former dual-code international Mat Rogers, who believes the dumped Queensland Reds playmaker can transition between the codes. Cooper is mulling his options after being told by new Reds coach Brad Thorn that he wasn’t in his plans for 2018.
With no other Australian Super Rugby teams interested, the 29-year-old is believed to be considering a stint in Japanese rugby but has long held ambitions of playing in the NRL.
After a seven-year career in rugby league Rogers joined the NSW Waratahs for five seasons. He then linked up with the Gold Coast Titans in their inaugural NRL season.
While Cooper clearly hasn’t had that rugby league lineage, Rogers says he could be a success at the right club.
“I’ve always rated him, no question,” Rogers said.
“I’ve always thought that he’d be a great league player.
“It’s just about finding a club that would be prepared to back him and take that punt and persist with him getting fit enough and accustomed to playing the game. “I don’t know who that could be ... (not) the Titans.”