Has Quade Cooper been thrown a World Cup lifeline?

It seems like the Reds discard Quade Cooper could return to the Super Rugby stage next season, paving a way to make it back into the reckoning for the Wallabies 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.

According to Rugbycomau, the Melbourne Rebels are likely to sign the star.

The online magazine reported that negotiations between the Reds, Rebels and Cooper’s management have been ongoing for almost two months and there is confidence a deal can be done in coming weeks.

The mercurial flyhalf has not been part of Reds coach Brad Thorn’s plans all season and that will not change in 2019, as it’s understood the Reds are open to any move which will clear Cooper’s $650,000 per season salary from their books.

At the urging of coach Dave Wessels, Melbourne are keen to give Cooper a lifeline and reunite him with Wallaby scrumhalf Will Genia at the Rebels.

The Rebels have signed Matt Toomua for 2019, however, he will not return to Australia until the back end of next season.

Cooper, who previously rejected the Rebels’ offer, is open to a move from Brisbane.

There is always the rumour, that the Japanese side Sunwolves are also keen to strike a deal with former Wallaby pivot.

Genia told rugbycomau this week the 30-year-old Cooper is the missing piece in the puzzle to take Melbourne to the finals.

“He’s a world-class player,” Genia said. “To have someone like that in the playmaking role at the Rebels would be huge.

“That’s probably our biggest missing piece. Hodgey played 10 and played pretty well there but I think he’s more of a centre.

“So to have someone in the team who has won a title before and has had that success would make a huge difference.”

“I know Dave is definitely keen on him and wanted to have a few conversations with him.

“Hopefully they can come to some sort of agreement.”