Set to give Australian rugby officials more sleepless nights is Quade Cooper, with a potential move to Team Mundine looming.
The dynamic Wallabies five-eighth has notified his management firm IMG of his intent to leave the agency, paving the path for Cooper to partner with Khoder Nasser, who represents Anthony Mundine and Sonny Bill Williams.
Recently, Cooper has developed a close friendship with both Mundine and Williams. It’s believed that Nasser provided behind-the-scenes guidance to the 22-year-old last year as he contemplated his future in either rugby league or with Queensland and the Wallabies.
Although Cooper’s contract with IMG still has three months remaining, speculation has been rampant in rugby circles lately regarding his possible switch to Nasser for upcoming contract negotiations later this year.
“I can confirm that Quade’s agreement with IMG will conclude in April,” agent Richard Colreavy stated to The Daily Telegraph. “What he plans to do next regarding management is unclear, but we wish him well.”
Colreavy assisted Cooper in securing a contract worth over $600,000 with the ARU last year amidst interest from the Parramatta Eels, though it was merely a one-year extension.
Nasser could not be reached for comment last night. His prospective role at the negotiating table will likely have Australian rugby officials anxiously biting their nails.
The savvy agent behind Mundine and Williams has demonstrated his willingness to take his clients around the globe to secure the largest contracts.
In 2008, Williams departed from the Bulldogs to pursue a lucrative new career in French rugby, making him one of the highest-paid players. Presently, he has returned to New Zealand, debuting for the All Blacks last year.
Nasser has also aided Mundine in earning millions in boxing after he too left a rugby league career behind.
Should Cooper’s current upward trajectory continue, the ARU will likely be advised to dig deep into their funds to retain him beyond the World Cup.
Opinion is split regarding Cooper’s interest in transitioning to rugby league. Those close to him believe that a connection with Nasser might suggest he is considering a switch, but a senior source from Queensland expressed confidence yesterday that the Kiwi-born playmaker favors rugby and intends to remain in the sport. Whether that will be in Australia remains uncertain.
Undoubtedly, many international clubs, especially in France, would be eager to offer top dollar for Cooper, despite his defensive struggles last year.
by Buford Balony
