Queensland coach Ewen McKenzie does not rule out picking up Mat Rogers

[jargan83]

Queensland coach Ewen McKenzie does not rule out picking up Mat Rogers

By Bret Harris and Margie McDonald

June 08, 2010 .

Queensland Reds coach Ewen McKenzie has not ruled out the possibility of recruiting dual international Mat Rogers if his NRL career comes to an end.

McKenzie coached Rogers at NSW Waratahs for three years before the brilliant utility back decided to return to rugby league with the Gold Coast Titans in 2007.

Although he will be 35 years old when the expanded Super 15 series kicks off in February next year, Rogers is a gifted athlete, who can play anywhere from five-eighth to fullback and can also kick goals.

Asked whether he would be interested in Rogers, McKenzie said: "You never say never."

Titans chief executive Michael Searle said it would be hard to fit Rogers, who is recovering from a serious knee injury,into the club's playing roster for next season.

"I think it's fair to say we've had preliminary talks with Matty and realise it would be difficult for him (to remain), particularly with our salary cap position for 2011," Searle said.

"But Mat has been terrific for us and we'll do everything we can to support him, work with him for life after football. If he does get an opportunity with the Reds, well that's great too. He'll add a lot of value to their squad and a lot of experience as well."

McKenzie's priority is to re-sign Wallabies five-eighth Quade Cooper, who has received an offer from the Western Force.

Cooper may not make a decision until he receives a top-up offer from the ARU, which is waiting for his court case on a burglary charge to be heard on July 2.

While Cooper is expected to stay in Brisbane, he has expressed a desire to play with his good friends James O'Connor and David Pocock, who are at the Force.

"Quade's options are still open," Cooper's manager Richard Colreavy said.

"He's still talking to both state unions. He's not giving anything away."

http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,...002381,00.html

[shasta]

Sayonara, guddorakku.

[Burgs]

Maybe if he was five years younger and on a normal wage.
No way at 35/6 and on the mandatory League package.

[James]

McKenzie coached Rogers at NSW Waratahs for three years before the brilliant utility back decided to return to rugby league with the Gold Coast Titans in 2007.

I don't remember him being a brilliant utility. A decidedly average fullback seems like a much description. He couldn't play 10, couldn't play 12 and wasn't really tried anywhere else. I mean he'd be better than nothing- particularly if by chance Cooper leaves- but only marginally better.

[Burgs]

I remember him as being a great #21.
Adaptable enough for all without being a world beater in any position.
I think it would be a bit unfair to describe him as average in the true meaning of the word.