Cooper backed to make NRL switch by former dual-coder

Cooper backed to make NRL switch by former dual-coder

Quade Cooper could become a star in the NRL next season if there was a club prepared to take a risk on him.

That's the view of former dual-code international Mat Rogers, who believes the dumped Queensland Reds playmaker can transition between the codes.

Kiwi-born Cooper is mulling his options after being told by new Reds coach Brad Thorn that he wasn't in his plans for 2018.

With no other Australian Super Rugby teams interested, the 29-year-old is believed to be considering a stint in Japanese rugby but has long held ambitions of playing in the NRL.

He was close to signing for Parramatta several years ago but ultimately chose to stay in rugby ahead of the 2011 World Cup, where he starred for the Wallabies.


After a seven-year career in rugby league Rogers joined the NSW Waratahs for five seasons. He then linked up with the Gold Coast Titans in their inaugural NRL season.

While Cooper clearly hasn't had that rugby league lineage, Rogers says he could be a success at the right club.


"I've always rated him, no question about that," Rogers said.

"I've always thought that he'd be a great league player.


Cooper has no professional experience in rugby league, however, he did play the 13-man code as a junior.

As yet, no NRL club has expressed interest in him.

"It's going to be one of those things," Rogers said.

"He might become a star but he might be a flop, too - not that I think he would be"

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