Marika Koroibete has ‘unfinished business’ with Wallabies, commits to World Cup campaign
MARIKA Koroibete knocked back feelers for a French fling to recommit to Australian rugby because he doesn’t yet feel his game or that of the Wallabies has hit a consistent high.
MARIKA Koroibete is excited about Quade Cooper’s potential link with the Melbourne Rebels now the Wallabies flyer has re-signed for a Rugby World Cup shot.
The powerful Koroibete has inked a new one-year deal because testing himself on world rugby’s greatest stage in Japan next year remains such a magnetic goal.
The winger will play his 15th Test on Saturday night at Cbus Super Stadium on the Gold Coast where Argentina’s super-stepper Ramiro Moyano will be a huge threat judging by his try against the All Blacks last weekend.
Koroibete knocked back feelers for a French fling to recommit to Australian rugby because he doesn’t yet feel his game or that of the Wallabies has hit a consistent high.
“It’s unfinished business because one of the massive things when I came over from rugby league was to make the cut for the World Cup,” Koroibete said.
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“A lot of younger boys have come into the squad and it’s about getting to know each other’s games so we are at our most confident and consistent by the World Cup.”
The demand for try-scoring Fijians with flair is insatiable in Europe where recent Wallabies Eto Nabuli (Bordeaux) and Taqele Naiyaravoro (Northampton) have set up base.
“There were offers, from France in particular, earlier this year,” Koroibete said.
“I had a good conversation with my manager and my wife about Australia being the right decision and giving more to Cheik (coach Michael Cheika) and rugby here,” Koroibete said.
The rise of the Rebels to ninth in Super Rugby was a major positive after his free fall from an NRL grand final with the hot Melbourne Storm of 2016 to last with the Rebels in 2017.
“I really enjoyed it with the boys at the Rebels and the momentum we built this season after only winning one game last year,” Koroibete said.
“More good players (Matt Toomua and Isi Naisarani) are coming next season and Quade Cooper would be a big addition.”
Koroibete offered up Cooper’s name himself without prompting, which suggested negotiations with the 70-Test Queensland flyhalf may be more advanced than many think.
“I’ve heard rumours,” Koroibete said.
“He was on my first Wallabies tour (in 2016) and I love the way he plays.”
At 30, Cooper can’t expect to retain any career lustre in lower-tier Brisbane club rugby or the National Rugby Championship so a return to Super Rugby is essential for his future.
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Originally published as Marika Koroibete has ‘unfinished business’ with Wallabies, commits to World Cup campaign