Super Rugby
NRL clubs go cold on Cooper
ESPNscrum Staff
April 5, 2011
Reds fly-half Quade Cooper evades a tackle from Lions centre Doppies La Grange, Lions v Reds, Super Rugby, Ellis Park, Johannesburg, South Africa, April 02, 2011
Quade Cooper beats his man during the Reds' win over the Lions last weekend © Getty Images
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The expected post-Rugby World Cup clamour for the signature of Wallabies playmaker Quade Cooper may not materialise after two leading NRL sides admitted they had little interest in his services.

The 23-year-old was the subject of intense speculation during last season's Tri-Nations as the Parramatta Eels sought to prise him away from union, but the Reds fly-half spurned their advances to agree a one-year extension with the Australian Rugby Union (ARU).

Cooper's agent, Khoder Nasser, has claimed that he would be 'foolish' not to entertain offers from NRL clubs when his current deal expires but his former suitors, the Eels, appear to have gone cold on the idea.

"We've moved on," Eels chief executive Paul Osborne told AAP. "He's a wonderful talent and a good bloke, but we've moved on."

The Brisbane Broncos have also been linked with Cooper given the imminent retirement of Darren Lockyer, but coach Anthony Griffin dismissed suggestions that they would be making an offer.

"I think he's going all right for the Reds," Griffin said. "At this stage I've got no interest in Quade Cooper."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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