Johansson, Cooper to miss opener
Johansson, Cooper to miss opener
c/o Rugby Heaven
Monday, January 29, 2007
Tardy timing has cost rising star Quade Cooper and former Wallaby Lloyd Johansson a place in Queensland's opening Super 14 match in a further blow to the Reds' already depleted backline.
Despite a lack of backline options due to a spate of injuries, Queensland coach Eddie Jones has put his foot down after rookie Cooper and centre Johansson arrived 25 minutes late for a 7am (AEST) training session yesterday.
They were told today that they would not be considered for Saturday's Super 14 opener against Hurricanes at Suncorp Stadium.
The shock exclusion ensures Queensland will be without its first choice halfback (Sam Cordingley), inside centre (Johansson), winger (Caleb Brown) and fullback (Chris Latham).
"These players were seriously late for an important training session, which demonstrated a lack of commitment as professional rugby players and a lack of commitment to the team," Jones said.
"We want to take things forward at the Reds and to do that we must have total commitment by the players.
Jones said Johansson and New Zealand-born Cooper "deeply regretted" their actions and apologised to the team after this morning's training session.
"Some may see this as a harsh response but players have to get the message that for them to perform like professionals they have to train like professionals," he said.
"And that involves being disciplined and committed."
The 186cm, 84kg Cooper is as highly rated as a future Wallaby prospect as boom Australian Schoolboy teammate Kurtley Beale while Johansson was considered an important cog in the vulnerable Reds backline.
That'll show 'em Eddie, but how about the other 31 who had hoped at the outside chance of winning a game like professionals??? Reds for the spoon, too many injuries and too much Eddie...
