Brisbane forward misses December pre-season training
IT'S LIKE deja vu all over again for Brisbane forward Rhan Hooper after finding himself suspended by the Lions for 'repeated breaches of his playing contract during the pre-season'.
The Lions have suspended Hooper from the club for 28 days for missing this month's prescribed training sessions.
"Rhan Hooper has been suspended from the club effective immediately, following repeated breaches of his playing contract during the pre-season," the Lions said in a statement issued early this morning.
"He has failed to attend December's scheduled training sessions and the club has suspended the player for a period of 28 days.
"We are working with Rhan on this issue in the best interests of the player and the Lions.
"The team has set benchmark standards and the club had no other option than to suspend Rhan in his and the club's best short and long-term interests."
This is the second time Hooper finds himself on the outer at the club after missing a chunk of the 2007 pre-season through suspension for a similar offence when Leigh Matthews was in charge.
He was fined $7000 for his troubles.
Hooper eventually forced his way back into the side in Round 10 of that season and later won back the player group's respect, a path he will have to tread again in coming months if he is to keep his AFL career alive.
DARREN MONCRIEFF
AboriginalFootball@westnet.com.au
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Last Modified on 06/12/2008 23:46