Former Wallabies captain Stirling Mortlock is flabbergasted by Quade Cooper's exclusion from this weekend's inaugural Sydney 7s.
Mortlock can't fathom why first-year coach Andy Friend isn't giving Cooper "a chance to cut his teeth" in the showpiece tournament and fears the classy playmaker will run out of time to force his way into Australia's Olympic team.
"I just can't believe it," Mortlock said on Friday.
"He's a world-class player in any format - and an elite athlete - so why not just give him a go?"
Mortlock stressed he was reluctant to stir the pot.
"But from my point of view, it's just a massive shame that Quade had put his hand up and he's come all the way over and he's not going to play.
"Both Sydney rugby fans don't get to see one of Australia's best rugby players have a go and it also puts a massive dent in his selection chances for Rio.
"It's disappointing."
Coach Friend earlier on Friday defended Cooper's non-selection, saying he was merely safeguarding the 58-Test star's body and his own team's title hopes in Sydney.
Cooper was upset by the call but respected the decision.
Cameron Clark, Australia's star attacking player, denied the whole episode in luring Cooper back from France to sit in the stand had been a fruitless exercise for the Thunderbolts.
"I don't think it's a waste of time at all," Clark said.
"He'll take away a lot for being around the group and will be a lot better for it the next time he joins us."
