Cooper suspended for Qld showdown
ONLY a successful appeal against a one-week suspension can earn Reds talisman Quade Cooper a start in Saturday's sudden-death Super Rugby elimination final against the Sharks at Suncorp Stadium.
A marathon judicial hearing in Brisbane yesterday found Cooper guilty of making high contact with Waratahs fly-half Berrick Barnes in last Saturday's clash in Brisbane.
Speaking afterwards outside the hearing, Cooper said he was disappointed with the outcome and would discuss the possibility of an appeal with Reds officials.
"I'll speak about the appeal and we'll discuss whether it's worth the risk and reward," he said. "You've got the opportunity for one week to become two to three weeks."
Cooper said he had total faith in his teammates and the game plan to get the job done against the Sharks and earn a semi-final match-up against the Chiefs in Hamilton the following week.
Meanwhile, 27 players were yesterday named from the other four Australian franchises in a provisional group to prepare for the Rugby Championship which follows the Super Rugby finals.
