Will Genia says the Rebels could throw Quade Cooper a career lifeline after his exile from the Reds.

The 70-cap former Wallabies flyhalf has been frozen out by Reds coach Brad Thorn but remains one of the country’s highest-paid players despite playing third-tier club rugby in Brisbane.

Genia, who formed a Super Rugby-winning halfback partnership with Cooper, said Rebels coach Dave Wessels is targeting his former teammate.

‘I know Dave is definitely keen on him and wanted to have a few conversations with him,’ said Genia. ‘Hopefully, they can come to some sort of agreement.

‘He’s a world-class player. To have someone like that in the playmaking role at the Rebels would be huge. That’s probably our biggest missing piece.’

The Rebels have struggled to find an incumbent flyhalf, with Reece Hodge taking the No 10 shirt after Jack Debreczeni made a poor start to the season.

‘Hodgey played 10 and played pretty well there but I think he’s more of a centre,’ Genia added. ‘So to have someone in the team who has won a title before and has had that success would make a huge difference.’

England-based Wallabies utility back Matt Toomua will move to Melbourne next year but will only be available to play later in the season.

Photo: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images