Queensland accuses Waratahs of cop out over lunch snub

[KenyaQuin]

Queensland accuses Waratahs of cop out over lunch snub

15th May 2008, 11:15 WST

Queensland accuses Waratahs of cop out over lunch snub : thewest.com.au

Queensland have retaliated to NSW taunts by accusing the Waratahs of a “cop-out” in reneging on a deal to attend the Reds' annual interstate rugby luncheon.

Queensland Rugby Union chief executive Ken Freer today threw the same “cop out” insult Lote Tuqiri used on Tuesday to pan the Reds back in NSW faces before Saturday night's Super 14 grudge match.

Freer was incensed the Waratahs snubbed an invitation to attend tomorrow's Vintage Reds luncheon, designed to help promote the last-round showdown at Suncorp Stadium.

The Reds attended a similar interstate lunch, put on by the Rugby Union Players Association, in Sydney last season and Freer said the NSWRU agreed to return the favour this year.

While NSW coach Ewen McKenzie is expected to attend for 15 minutes to be interviewed on stage, the QRU rated it as mere token representation from the third-placed team.

“Talk about copping out and not fronting up,” Freer said.

“Putting in an appearance at a promotional lunch is not exactly breaking rocks in the hot sun.

“We did it in Sydney last year although we could have done without it.”

Freer's response is Queensland's first swipe at their arch-rivals, who they haven't beaten since NSW ended a nine-year Super rugby drought in 2005.

Tuqiri delivered the opening salvo when he labelled the 11th-placed Reds cop outs for revelling in their tag of late season competition spoilers when they should have performed better at the start of the season.

The only NSW players who will attend the function - nicknamed the 'Hillbilly Luncheon' for it's traditional sledges of the Waratahs - are injured duo Al Kanaar and Ben Jacobs.

“What's the big deal?” Freer asked.

“Is it that they haven't got a thing to wear after their luggage went missing in South Africa? I'm sure they could have found some old Randwick tracksuits to wear.”

Despite the team's snub, Freer teased that a 51-strong NSWRU contingent, including 40 Waratahs sponsors, a well as a supporters group would be made welcome.

“We always look after our own sponsors so taking care of someone else's as well won't be a problem for us,” he said.

AAP

[Swee_82]

“What's the big deal?” Freer asked.

“Is it that they haven't got a thing to wear after their luggage went missing in South Africa? I'm sure they could have found some old Randwick tracksuits to wear.”

That's a bit witty for a Queenslander isn't it?

[.X.]

Nothing like taking a page out of the old All Blacks treating your opposition with respect book.

If you are wondering how it worked for the All Blacks - take a look at their result against the French in the 1999 RWC.

[shasta]

“Talk about copping out and not fronting up,” Freer said.

“Putting in an appearance at a promotional lunch is not exactly breaking rocks in the hot sun.

“We did it in Sydney last year although we could have done without it.”


AAP

Settle petal and........................

SAVE IT FOR THE GAME!!!

1 MORE SLEEP

[TOCC]

Settle petal and........................

SAVE IT FOR THE GAME!!!

1 MORE SLEEP

thats what QLD vs NSW is, stirring the pot and then watching NSW people go home with tail between the legs

[robyn <3]

thats what QLD vs NSW is, stirring the pot and then watching NSW people go home with tail between the legs

haha lets all hope so

[chook]

TOCC has it right. NSW v QLD is the ultimate. All other state/territory clashes are but whispers on the wind. The real deal is Red v Blue or Maroon v Blue. It would be un-Australian not to talk up our respective teams.

Something Shmoo has touched on but other Force players and fans are yet to learn.

Lote knows how it is done too. Paul Gallen does it a bit better though.


TOCC, get on GTT and stir us up a bit!! There are a few brave QLDers there already but they are fighting a losing battle. Basically, Reds suck @$$

[Burgs]

Queensland's first swipe at their arch-rivals, who they haven't beaten since NSW ended a nine-year Super rugby drought in 2005.

Queensland 9 straight then NSW 2 straight....hmmm, wonder where this article was written???

[The InnFORCEr]

TOCC, get on GTT and stir us up a bit!!

I thought you all liked playing with yourselves over there at GTT.

[chook]

Certainly, but sometimes our hands get tired

[beige]

NSW v QLD is the ultimate. All other state/territory clashes are but whispers on the wind. The real deal is Red v Blue or Maroon v Blue. It would be un-Australian not to talk up our respective teams.

That's obvious with Origin but is it still the same in rugby? From over here it seems to have lost a lot of its edge...

[Burgs]

There's too many fence sitters like Turinui involved now.
The best selection policy the Reds could have going forward is a Queenslander only policy I reckon.
Get some heart back into the joint.

[chook]

That's obvious with Origin but is it still the same in rugby? From over here it seems to have lost a lot of its edge...

Somewhat. Over here, there has been some build up by the sports commentators for this week or so being a battle of NSW v Reds in 2 codes. Could have been built up some more. Its funny, in League, Maroons have won for 2 years ( i think) and in Union, Tahs have won for something similar. Good opportunity to promote cross border hate right there.


Personally, i'm more excited about the SOO games. Maybe cos there are 3 of them. If only the S14 was expanded!!