Brad Thorn won’t call on Quade Cooper to solve pathetic Queensland Reds attack

THEY’VE got the worst attacking record in Super Rugby and an $800,000-a-year playmaker running around in club rugby, but Queensland coach Brad Thorn is refusing to recall Quade Cooper.

Quade Cooper playing club rugby for Souths at Yeronga.

THEY’VE got the worst attacking record in Super Rugby and an $800,000-a-year playmaker running around in club rugby, but Queensland coach Brad Thorn is refusing to recall Quade Cooper.

The Reds have managed to score just 13 tries so far this year - the Brumbies have the second least in the competition with 21 - and their attack looks at potent as a wet paper bag.

Yet Thorn, who controversially dropped Cooper from his squad at the start of the season, shut the door on a recall for the former Wallabies playmaker despite calls from greats including Tim Horan.

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Quade Cooper playing club rugby for Souths at Yeronga.

“Quade’s been playing club rugby, he’s been playing well, but we’ve just been working with the guys we’ve got there,” Thorn said.

“Like I said at the start of the season, we’re going in a different direction, so that’s all I’ve got for you.”

Cooper is playing for Souths in the Brisbane Premier Rugby competition alongside factory workers and labourers while still collecting his Rugby Australia-topped contract, which he plans to do for the rest of the season.

Meanwhile, the Reds have slumped to second-last in the Australian conference after three consecutive defeats, propped up only by the winless Sunwolves.

Reds coach Brad Thorn says he won’t call on Cooper to return to the team.

Against the Waratahs last Saturday, Queensland looked limp in possession, with few chances created and a clear lack of attacking spark.

Their only try came when winger Filipo Daugunu picked up a lost ball when the Waratahs blundered a set play, and he raced 55 metres to score against the run of play.

Thorn also dismissed notions of a return to the team for Karmichael Hunt, who was convicted and fined $600 in total by a Brisbane court in February after pleading guilty to possessing Xanax and contravening a police direction.

The Reds have the worst attack in Super Rugby.

Another charge of cocaine possession was dropped due to lack of evidence, but RA did fine the Wallaby $10,000.

“He hasn’t been in and he’s not playing club rugby at the moment so that doesn’t look to be happening,” Thorn said.

It’s understood Hunt is seeking a deal to play in Europe, and the QRU will be happy to release him.

Originally published as Brad Thorn won’t call on Quade Cooper to solve pathetic Queensland Reds attack