LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Former Wallaby Quade Cooper is eyeing NRL stars Reece Walsh and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow for the upcoming Olympic Games flag football competition in 2028.
Flag football is a non-contact version of gridiron, popular in the United States, and will be introduced at the Los Angeles Olympics.
Australia will need to qualify for the Games, but Cooper is eager to recruit NRL players for the campaign.
In an interview with Code Sports, Cooper praised Walsh and Tabuai-Fidow for their athleticism and skills, stating, "You look at the guys like Reece Walsh, like the Hammer (Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow), the way they move, the way they're able to accelerate, how dynamic they are, how smooth and skilful they are." He believes that their ability to play on both offense and defense in rugby league makes them well-suited for flag football, where players must excel in both aspects of the game.
Cooper's interest in recruiting NRL players for the Olympic campaign reflects his belief in their potential to excel in the new sport.
He sees Walsh and Tabuai-Fidow as prime candidates due to their agility, speed, and versatility on the field.
With their skills and adaptability, Cooper envisions them making a significant impact in flag football and helping Australia in their quest to qualify for the Olympics.
Overall, Cooper's intention to bring NRL stars like Walsh and Tabuai-Fidow into the fold for flag football at the Olympics highlights the potential for crossover between different sports and the opportunities for athletes to showcase their talents on a global stage.
As flag football prepares for its Olympic debut, the inclusion of players with diverse sporting backgrounds promises an exciting and competitive tournament.
Rugby league fans may soon see their favorite NRL stars don a different kind of jersey as they aim for Olympic glory in a new and unfamiliar game.