Whether you love him or hate him, Quade Cooper this week confirmed a 3 year deal with the Queensland Reds, cementing the 24 year old superstars' future in rugby union. With many question marks surrounding the playmakers future, Cooper knocked back offers from competing Super Rugby franchises and Rugby League to stay with the defending Super Rugby Champions. With much time spent on the side lines this year after tearing his ACL, Cooper had a lot of time to deliberate his future. Cooper commented that the driving force behind his decision to stay was the exciting future that the Reds had ahead of them. He stated that "I'm enjoying the way the Reds are going as an organisation and as a team", but his decision to re-sign, however, was undoubtedly effected by many of his team mates.
The majority of the the Reds players, after completing a successful 2011 Super Rugby campaign had their performances rewarded with selection in the national team. Fitting and keeping these national players under the Reds salary cap was always going to be difficult. So far Scott Higginbotham has been the only casualty, leaving for the Melbourne Rebels next year but there could be more to come.
However, many of the current players have agreed to re-sign with the Reds, believing their bright future together will bring more success on the Super Rugby stage. Cooper refused to comment on whether Will Genia's decision to re-sign affected his choice, but it certainly would have had a major impact considering the dynamic duo not only headline the Queensland team but also the National team as well.
For both Queensland and Australian Rugby supporters, Quade Cooper's decision to stay with Genia and develop their partnership as two of the most attacking players in world rugby will bring much success to both parties in the future. It is a positive move that will continue to see the tantalizing duo terrorize opposition teams well into the future.Hoo Roo
Stewy
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