There seems to be a distinct lack of communication between the head honcho’s at the Reds and Mr Quade Cooper himself, following reports that completely contradict each other.
First, Cooper tweeted that they will not be appealing the one match ban handed to him following a dangerous tackle on Berrick Barnes. His tweet read – “I won’t be appealing the 1 match suspension as I don’t want to be a distraction to the teams prep “
Not long after though, the Reds released a report stating that, despite what Cooper said on his tweet, they are still considering an appeal. The Queensland Rugby Union are apparently still waiting for the transcript of the hearing, following which they will decide whether an appeal is on the cards.
In the meantime, the Reds seem set to name their team for the play-off clash on Friday, with Ben Lucas expected to play in the pivot position should Quade Cooper not be available. All this confusion over Quade must be a ploy to upset the Sharks preparation, as the Sharks will obviously plan to target Cooper, if he does eventually play.
In my opinion, should the Reds appeal, I think they could well be successful, as the tackle really wasn’t that bad, but the Sharks should ignore all this press around Cooper and concentrate on getting their own game plan right, making as few errors as possible and doing the basics right.
In a latest Reds media release, they have confirmed that they will not appeal the one match ban of Cooper. After receiving the transcript and considering the contents, it was decided that there is insufficient time to appeal and that the ban will stand. Ben Lucas is expected to wear the 10 jersey when the Reds team is announced tomorrow.
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very frustrating indeed… hard to do a preview if the feckers won’t release their team
He makes a massive difference to that team, I’m hoping like hell the suspension sticks…
it doesn’t matter if cooper is playing, because he will be behind a struggeling pack of forwards and he will have no front foot ball to work with and that will make him very vulnerable. he will make mistakes all over the place.sharks by 10 this weekend with or without cooper
Sounds more like they are playing mind games with themselves
Isn’t there a time limit to appeal eg within 24 hrs?
I think they are playing for time. Appeal on Friday and he will be able to play, as there will not be enough time to recall a panel for the appeal.
If they did it on tuesday or even today, there might be the slightest chance that they could fit in his appeal before the game.
(I am right in assuming that if a player appeals, he can play on until the outcome of the appeal??)
@Ice (Comment 5) : the rules will be bend for the aussies, because they are running the show
@Ice (Comment 5) : i also have it that there should be a time frame in which he can appeal?
@VanWilder (Comment 6) : No I don’t think so, the decision stands until the appeal is accepted. If they appealed to late, that’s their issue.
I think the Reds is wasting their time here. If Cooper can play would he then have practised with the group and have gotten himself ready, specifically mentally for the game? And now the poor guy that’s backing him up, Ben Lucas, is also not clear on whether he will start for us.
The Sharks will ignore all this blibber blabber, one should not concentrate that much on one player in anyway. Ben Lucas, if you don’t keep a close eye on him can be just as slippery as Cooper and he doesn’t have as many brain farts as Cooper can.
Stick to the basics dominate them from the front, keep your defensive lines, make your tackles and no flyhalf will be able to make any difference.
Going on like this before a big match just proofs that they feel they need to unsettle us. The Sharks on the other hand has been keeping to themselves, almost confidently one could say. I like it. Just focus on what you have to do.
If the press ask you about them and this whole situation, bounce it back to the Reds, make it their issue. Who plays and don’t play shouldn’t effect us too much.
@Letgo (Comment 9) : thanks, i had it the other way round…
They’ve just announced they won’t appeal
@robdylan (Comment 12) : Because they dont have the balls or “a”ppeal… 😕
@Ice (Comment 5) : yes, it’s 48hours which means that they can no longer appeal the decision. Agree, they are playing mind games.
Thread updated – They will not appeal the ban
nothing has really come out of the sharks camp though???suppose no news is good news..hope the boys and plum are mentally and physically prepared..playing away from home is always so difficult.
Reds picked the wrong team to play mind games with.
Everyone knows we`ll just delay naming our team even further, if that`s possible at all . .
@shaniboi (Comment 16) : I like it that way. Means the guys are focused on the job at hand.
@Original Pierre (Comment 17) : Only problem is Plum has already announced the team – so the only option left is to shuffle, e.g. JPP and Bismarck swap positions 😛
They can burn down our home, they can call the fire brigade to put out our flame…
BUT THEY CAN’T STOP THE SHARKS FROM WINNING SR2012!!!
(Shouting turned on double bass, while standing at attention, shaking like a rattle snake, tears running down the cheeks, painted black and white)