cooper returns?

[Father Ted]

Cooper return casts doubt on Runciman's role
By ADAM PENGILLY


July 16, 2013, 3 a.m.

• 
  Matt Cooper (centre) is close to a return.

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RUBGY UNION
Matt Cooper will head a cavalcade of injured and suspended stars set to return for the Dragons' do-or-die clash with South Sydney, as the veteran centre seeks to snap a near three-month injury lay-off.
The 34-year-old has been sidelined with a toe injury suffered on the eve of the Dragons' Anzac Day loss to the Roosters.
The Red V have won only twice in nine attempts in his absence.
But St George Illawarra captain Ben Creagh confirmed the Dragons were "very hopeful" of Cooper manning his traditional left-centre position against the Rabbitohs on Monday night.
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The 16-day break between matches afforded to the Dragons courtesy of their second bye has also aided Bronson Harrison's bid to return from a fractured hand.
The Dragons will delay a decision on the availability of Cameron King (shoulder) until later in the week, while Dan Hunt (knee) is considered the most unlikely of the injured quartet to play.
NSW star Josh Dugan will also return from a one-game ban, pending his fitness after the Origin clash tomorrow night.
Cooper's imminent return will cloud the immediate future of NSW under-20s star Charly Runciman, handed his NRL debut last month after a string of eye-catching performances in the NSW Cup and National Youth Competition.
But the teenage centre confirmed he would be equally adept on the right should Dragons coach Steve Price switch him to the other side of the field.
"I'm happy to play wherever I can on the field to help out the team," Runciman said.
"Whatever he [Price] sees fit I'll play there and if I'm not playing there I'll try my best in NSW Cup and give it my all there.
"Matty Cooper is pretty close to coming back and hopefully he'll play soon. I'll just play whenever I'm needed and I'm just thankful for the opportunity.
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"My goal was just to play first grade this year so I've met that goal.
"It's always important to set new goals and that's just to play as many games as I can before the end of the season, whether or not it's through injury or just through form.
"It will be up to Pricey and hopefully I can do my best for the team in whatever they need."
The Dragons side will be named today.
http://www.illawarramercury.com.au/...return-casts-doubt-on-runcimans-role/?cs=2382

 

[nrlnrl]

back to Cutters for Nathan Green if they're serious

 

[Father Ted]

Cooper plus Runciman sounds good to me. Whats with the Rugby Union heading Mercury?

 

[Godz Illa]

Whats with the Rugby Union heading Mercury?

Easy error to make. We're as boring to watch as a rugby union team these days

 

[BennyV]

If this forces Runciman out and Green retains his spot, thats a real worry...

 

[Godz Illa]

Runciman plays on the left. Cooper plays on the left.

Get the sorbent ready

 

[BennyV]

Runciman plays on the left. Cooper plays on the left.

Get the sorbent ready

Surely Cooper can adapt to playing on the right until his next injury...:sarcasm:

 

[Puff]

Surely Cooper can adapt to playing on the right until his next injury...:sarcasm:

A week isn't long to wait

 

[saints4ever]

Coops is a defensive centre. I dont see why what side of the field he plays will make a difference to his game. He doesnt really step, hes got power. So why should Runciman lose his spot? Green offers nothing

 

[Country Dragon]

Cooper shouldn't get priority over anyone now!

 

[bottle]

If Coops does come back against Souffs he would be best utilised on our right side anyway tbh. We are suspect there, and it's the side that Sutton/Luke/Inglis run rampant on. All and any defensive assistance will be needed.

 

[Godz Illa]

Cooper shouldn't get priority over anyone now!

What took you so long, the thread was 5 hours old. Internet down?

 

[FundyDragon]

Surely Cooper can adapt to playing on the right until his next injury...:sarcasm:

Why not! It's not like he passes the ball or anything

 

[TheRev]

Cooper is a vital cog to our side, probably cost us 2+ games so having him out, whether he plays on left or right, im not sure, depends how flexible Runciman is, and tbh ive never seen Cooper play right side.

End of the day its political too, your veteran star left centre being shunted for a baby rookie? Sends a clear message about selecting for the future, and an approach we havent ever seen from Price thus far, so we shall see.. it probably wont hurt Runciman anyway if he was versatile as im just not sure yet who will end up where next year.. which centres will cement their positions and on which side? Still TBD.

 

[Drain the Dragon]

At least Coops back at left centre would mean Bmoz might actually get the ball.

 

[st.phil]

How can a 19 year old kid already be locked into one side of the field? Are they Robots? Surely a kid like Runciman with youth, skill and attitude could adjust.

 

[Godz Illa]

How can a 19 year old kid already be locked into one side of the field? Are they Robots? Surely a kid like Runciman with youth, skill and attitude could adjust.

Sure. But making him learn and adjust in first grade is rather silly.

I thought his defence was suspect on the left side earlier this year but he has improved since. Changing sides is actually a significant change

 

[TheRev]

How can a 19 year old kid already be locked into one side of the field? Are they Robots? Surely a kid like Runciman with youth, skill and attitude could adjust.

This is really where the player and coaches come into it.. as fans we haven't seen enough to know.

The thing about Runciman is he came thru as a fullback yeah, so hes actually probably quite strong off both sides...

But in general with centres... they might step better off a left or right foot, though regardless im sure he could learn to adjust, but its not like hes being given a few months to practice on the right side either, he would just being thrown into 1st grade NRL where the smallest errors will be exposed by GI and co.. but either way, someone has to play on the right, so unless Chase is getting dropped back there, someone will have to give it a crack.

 

[st.phil]

Sure. But making him learn and adjust in first grade is rather silly.

I thought his defence was suspect on the left side earlier this year but he has improved since. Changing sides is actually a significant change

Understand and fair point...however without a luxury of choices and Green's poor form in attack (too slow, poor options, looks like a dear in headlights) and him being not exactly a rock in defense...worth the shot IMO.

 

[BennyV]

Understand and fair point...however without a luxury of choices and Green's poor form in attack (too slow, poor options, looks like a dear in headlights) and him being not exactly a rock in defense...worth the shot IMO.

With the left-side attack of the Rabbits (Sutton, GI, Goodwin, Merritt) I would much prefer Cooper on the right helping Flo in defense...

But Price is Price, and the game plan is the game plan, it doesnt change for any reason