Beale, Cooper rumours dismissed
Two top playmakers might be on the verge of leaving Australia, but Wallaby coach Ewen McKenzie has brushed aside concerns over their possible departure.
Quade Cooper and Kurtley Beale do not yet have new deals with the Australia Rugby Union and both players are being courted to play in other codes.
National Rugby League team the Bulldogs have expressed interest in Beale and Lyon are rumoured to be reeling in Cooper to play in France’s Top 14 competition.
However, McKenzie is not showing any concern and insists there’s no reason to be nervous about speculation regarding the star backs’ futures.
"I've kept regular contact with Quade, as you do with players around the edges.
"I've had discussions involved around that and I don't get any inkling he's disappearing. He's working hard on his rehab to get back on the field. They're the discussions I've had.
"I haven't been involved in any contract discussions, but I'm not sitting here nervous about his intentions. I haven't picked up any mood that there's any reason for me to be worried," McKenzie said.
The Wallabies coach says he has been in contact with Beale, who has showed no signs of being unhappy and has been training with his partner at Waratahs, Bernard Foley.
"Things drift in and out of the newspapers, but they're not discussions we have day to day in the workplace, when we're out there training," McKenzie added.
"But I don't pick up any distraction there."
Source: Sydney Morning Herald
