from FootyHeads

HOOPER RETURNS HOME

Friday, February 23rd, 2007 at 9:52 am

BY BRAD KLIBANSKY

THE Brisbane Lions have received some good news on the eve of the NAB Cup with the return of young gun Rhan Hooper, who suddenly left the club two months ago citing personal reasons for his departure.

Hooper and his manager Peter Whitehead met with Brisbane Lions Coach Leigh Matthews and football manager Graham Allan yesterday to discuss his future with the Lions. Hopper told the Club he had wished to continue his 11- game career with the Lions and resume training immediately.

Coach Leigh Matthews said the Club would honour Hooper’s request, but ruled out an immediate return to senior action.
“We owe it to our members and supporters to be transparent wherever possible,” Matthews said. “Rhan has said he wants to resume training and the Club has agreed to his request.

“However, he will require a couple of months of serious catch- up training before he can even be considered to play.”

The Lions have taken measures within the AFLPA guidelines to discipline Hooper with a $7000 fine for his two- month absence.