ARU chief John O’Neill is firm in his stance of not paying ‘crazy money’ for Quade Cooper, yet he expresses confidence that the talented five-eighth will remain in the 15-man code.
The competition for Cooper’s commitment intensified when his manager Richard Colreavy met with NRL officials on Monday following interest from league clubs Parramatta and Newcastle.
Reports indicate that the 22-year-old has received an offer of $500,000 annually from the Eels, while the ARU has proposed a guaranteed $350,000 along with match payments, potentially raising his earnings to $600,000 each season.
O’Neill, who has aimed to control player salaries, asserted he wouldn’t be coerced into overpaying for Cooper, whose rapid ascent has positioned him as a crucial player for Australia’s World Cup aspirations next year.
“We’re confident we can establish a deal with Quade that benefits him, not only financially but also personally and as someone who can significantly impact our game,” O’Neill stated to reporters on Tuesday.
“He is an essential and valuable component of Australian rugby’s future, especially for the Wallabies, but we refuse to pay inflated sums; the remuneration will reflect a player of his worth.”
O’Neill suggested that Cooper’s value is akin to other promising young Wallabies.
“We have a considerable number of players who fall into the same category as Quade Cooper,” he remarked.
“Quade is among several young talents – James O’Connor, Kurtley Beale, David Pocock – who are indispensable for the upcoming years, and we must be cautious to avoid creating discrepancies.”
The ARU prefers to secure Cooper in a three-year contract, aimed at ensuring his participation in the World Cup in New Zealand next year and against the touring British and Irish Lions in 2013.
“We’d lean towards three (years), maybe two, but three would be preferable,” O’Neill mentioned.
“As I plan my career as a player, those two events are the pinnacle.”
O’Neill last had a conversation with Cooper on Friday; however, he noted that negotiations are still active between Colreavy and ARU negotiator Peter Friend, with coach Robbie Deans also engaging with his star No.10.
The ARU leader made a rare visit to Wallabies training on Tuesday, describing the appearance as an opportunity to catch up with fellow observers Mark Ella and Simon Poidevin.
However, O’Neill is becoming less optimistic about finalizing the Cooper deal before the Wallabies depart on Friday for two Tri-Nations Tests against South Africa in Pretoria on August 28 and Bloemfontein on September 4.
“While it remains possible, it needs to be a clean deal, as we want nothing left to chance,” he stated.
“If it could be finalized by Friday, ahead of the team’s flight to South Africa, that would serve everyone’s best interests… the team’s preparation for two major Tests in South Africa must be distraction-free.
“We’re eager to reach a resolution this week, but it’s not a do-or-die scenario if we don’t.”
On Tuesday, Wallabies captain Rocky Elsom deflected inquiries regarding Cooper.
“I can’t prevent you from discussing it, but I won’t engage in it myself,” he said.
Buford Balony says:
He should consider transferring to the NRL, as I have witnessed him dozing off during union matches, or maybe it was me. The NRL is a considerably more appealing game that would align with his playing style, rather than the monotonous routine of kicking out, lineouts, 15 rucks & mauls for a 5-meter gain, kicking out, lineout, turning to penalties, or attempting goals and field goals.HAVE YOU EVER CONSIDERED GOING FOR A TRY? I believe David Gallop should support his move and draw him into the game instead, which he likely would find much more enjoyable.
What are your thoughts?