Cooper and Williams join forces

Quade Cooper's professional future may be under question but the former Reds playmaker certainly hasn't been resting in the off‑season.

Cooper has spent much of his Christmas break in Auckland with cross‑code superstar Sonny Bill Williams in Auckland.

The pair are long‑time friends, but the move is an interesting one from Cooper, after suggestions the flyhalf could be looking at a New Zealand switch after being told he wouldn't be required for the Reds in 2018.

The 28‑year‑old has family in Auckland, and was across the ditch with younger brother Moses, training with Williams for much of the time.

The pair have been sharing videos and pictures from the joint training sessions during the Christmas period, with some good‑natured banter involved.

Cooper's professional rugby future is under a cloud, after Reds coach Brad Thorn told him he wouldn't be part of his immediate 2018 plans, along with halfback Nick Frisby.

Cooper was initially linked to a Japanese move, but it is unclear where the playmaker will end up in 2018.