Brad Thorn publicly explains reasons for axing "struggling" Cooper

New Queensland Reds head coach Brad Thorn has publicly spoken to reporters for the first time about his decision to drop flyhalf Quade Cooper.

“I thought Quade last year... the team struggled, his game management, his attack, his defence (struggled)'' Thorn explained.

“I’m in this role — sometimes you’ve got to make tough decisions.”

“I played against him as a Crusader, as an All Black. He’s played over 100 games for this club — he’s had success here,” he said.

“He’s a guy who’s served this club really well.

“Respect to the guy, but we’re just going in a different way.”

The 29-year-old playmaker has not been at Reds training since Thorn told him late last year his services wouldn't be needed in 2018, advising the Reds will grant a release if he found a new club.

Unless an overseas team is prepared to make an offer, it is likely Cooper will play Brisbane club rugby this year, on call in case of an injury crisis. With back stocks bolstered by late signings in the last few weeks, it will take an improbable series of events to see Cooper back in a Reds uniform.

“We’re doing what we’re doing now. But he’s part of the squad.

“He’ll be trying his best with his club rugby and it’s a tough old season, isn’t it?

“At the moment, we’ve got some depth around that position — Hamish Stewart coming through, Jono Lance, Ben Lucas can play there.

“There’s a bit of stuff there.

“It’s competitive, which is what I’m getting a little bit excited about — I’m liking the competition in most positions and I feel like maybe that hasn’t been here.”

He still has two more years to run on his Reds contract which will be a large sunk cost if Cooper is unable to find another club and plays club rugby on a reported $800,000 per season.