Scott Higginbotham knows Quade Cooper well but even he can't explain why the five-eighth isn't chasing a Wallabies jersey interstate.
The door has been shut on the 30-year-old's hopes of playing for the Reds this season by new head coach Brad Thorn.
It prompted Wallabies coach Michael Cheika to call on Cooper this week to accept offers to play Super Rugby elsewhere if he wants to force an international recall.
The Melbourne Rebels and ACT Brumbies have both reportedly tried to lure the former Wallabies No.10.
Yet Cooper has continued to rake in an enormous salary to play Brisbane club rugby for Souths.
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He has repeatedly expressed a desire to win selection with Queensland.
Veteran Reds captain Higginbotham couldn't shed light on Cooper's thinking but suggested a shift south is unlikely.
"I'm very good mates with Quadey and I see him a lot still today," Higginbotham said after his team's 38-34 loss to the Hurricanes.
"But I can't comment on his mindset in terms of where he wants to play and what he wants to do.
"He's obviously enjoying his football at Souths and good on him for doing that."
