City’s stars out to shine
A CATCH- UP over coffee was all the proof needed that Quade Cooper and Karmichael Hunt are committed to big statement seasons with Brisbane City and not just rolling through the motions.
City coach Mick Heenan yesterday revealed he met the former Wallabies at a cafe last week to gauge their feelings about the seven- round National Rugby Championship beyond simply their bland inclusion on a list of 36 names.
“Both Quade and Karmichael are really motivated and in a good frame of mind,” Heenan said ahead of the September 2 kick- off against the Western Force at Norths’ Courtney Oval.
“I came away feeling they can both be very productive for City and Quade has already offered ideas on areas where the team can improve based on his NRC involvement last season.”
Rugby Australia policy decreed that nationally contracted players like Cooper and Hunt line up in the NRC, regardless of their outcast status at the Reds this season, although the Queensland Rugby Union did direct the duo to the City side.
Heenan said he had no idea if their NRC selection would chisel away at the wall between the pair and the Reds or create a door elsewhere.
“I have no insight to that so you’ll have to ask the Reds, but they certainly have the ability to play Super Rugby,” Heenan said.
“Obviously, Quade has had a season away from professional rugby where he has had to do everything himself and I think he’s got growth out of that.”
Selection gives utility back Hunt a shot at pushing for a return to the Wallabies squad down the track should he build on solid form in four comeback matches at fullback and centre for his Brisbane club Souths.
Wallabies coach Michael Cheika seems open- minded on Hunt, whereas he looked to have made a definitive call on 70- Test Cooper when he jettisoned him from fly- half plans and the 2017 Rugby Championship squad.
Cooper’s most immediate focus is with his Souths club as he tries to steer them through Sunday’s 5.15pm knockout semi- final against Easts at Ballymore in Premier Rugby.
GPS will have the Smith twins, JP and Ruan, up front to stiffen them against University in the 3.05pm major semi.
Former Wallabies prop James Slipper will continue his rehabilitation from health issues in the Queensland Country squad.