Michael Hooper is juggling all options
NEWS: Michael Hooper is excited about the fact that he is flirting with his career, not knowing what his next move is going to be.
The most capped Australian says he is an open book as far as his career is concerned as he is still undecided about a career change, a move abroad, an Olympic rugby sevens stint and even joking of a code switch as the Wallabies star weighs up his next move.
The Wallaby is off contract beyond this year’s Rugby World Cup and is adamant he has no idea what he’ll do after that.
But the 31-year-old flanker, who spent two months out of the game on a mental health break last year, is right where he wants to be.
“I don’t know what the next thing is going to look like,” Waratahs star Hooper said ahead of Saturday’s crucial Super Rugby Pacific clash with the Western Force.
“It’s a nice position to be in, to be open to all aspects.
“And that’s playing, that might not be playing, that’s having time off, that’s whatever.
“I’m completely an open book … I’m actually really excited by the fact that I don’t know what I’m doing.”
Hooper spent a season in Japan but has otherwise turned down overseas interest while accruing 121 Test caps.
With “ambiguity” in his mind, Hooper’s happy to sit on his hands, even if that means he’s burning big-money offers by doing so.
“You eliminate a lot of options when you leave that open, right?” he said.
“But it also opens up a lot of options.
“You’ve got to be prepared that it might not work out.
“There’s an Olympics,” he said, before smirking.
“There’s rugby league. I’m joking. I’m an open book.”
Hooper wants to iron out the inconsistencies in his game for the Waratahs, who are struggling at 1-5 this season, ahead of new Wallabies coach Eddie Jones’ first training camp next week.
“I feel great. Obviously really motivated with what’s ahead on the season,” he said.
“I don’t think I’ve played my best rugby. I think I’ve still got a lot more to give to this team and what I’m capable of, so I’m chasing that.
“Guys (will be) on edge, I think that’s going to bring a really good edge to the camp,” he said.
“No one knows what to expect.”
