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Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has advised discarded playmaker Quade Cooper to leave the Queensland Reds or he won’t be picked for the Wallabies.
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Speaking on Fox Sports Kick and Chase Cheika made it clear that he needs to be playing Super Rugby in order to be available for the national team.
“If he hadn’t had the opportunity to go play Super Rugby, I would say yes because it’s not his fault if he hasn’t had the opportunity, [to play elsewhere],” Cheika said.
“But he’s been offered opportunities and I think he should take one – and I would like him to take one of them so he can get up there and be in the position.”
Both the Rebels and the Brumbies have reached out to Cooper about joining their franchises, which he turned down in order to chase his goal of playing for the Reds again. The door remains closed by current Reds coach Brad Thorn who has moved in a different direction.
Cheika revealed he has been following his form in the Brisbane club competition, and has been impressed with the overall standard of the grade.
“I want to be clear,” said the national coach.
“I’ve been watching his club footy games. It’s been really good actually. The standard of the comp in Brisbane – because I’ve been watching more games for that reason – it’s been outstanding.
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“But [he needs to] even just go and get a couple of games at the [Super Rugby] pace. It goes up a level so then, when it comes to the test, you’ll be ready to go.
“He has to have form on the board, like all players.”
Michael Cheika’s thoughts ahead of the Ireland tour:
