Wallabies urged to ‘make Hoops proud’

Wikipedia and ‘remember when’ story among team-mates.

The courage that will last, believes Slipper, was the actions of Hooper on Thursday night, when he stuck his hand up and admitted he wasn’t feeling strong.

‘‘My immediate reaction was just pure sadness for the bloke,’’ Slipper said. ‘‘For someone who has been the face of the Wallabies for the last 10 years, and plays the way he does, 80 minutes, body on the line, weekin, week-out, and has this real strong mental toughness, for him to put his hand up and say he wasn’t right, I was just gutted for him. My story, it took me right back there to be honest. Just seeing how vulnerable he was.’’

Though in a high-profile position, Hooper is a private individual who avoids headlines and politely sidesteps media interest in his life. He was undoubtedly aware his withdrawal from the Wallabies would be a big story, and invite public judgment about his character.

‘‘But at the end of the day, he put the team first once again,’’ Slipper said. ‘‘To be honest, I didn’t do what he did. He stood up and reached out. I have so much respect for the bloke. We just want him to get right, get him home. If anyone deserves a break, it’s that bloke.’’

Slipper stresses he doesn’t know how Hooper is feeling, but he knows the rough ballpark, having also taken a break from rugby in 2018 to deal with mental health issues. Slipper initially sought refuge in drink and drugs and was suspended as a result.

‘‘It is important to note every situation is different, and everyone’s path is different,’’ Slipper said. ‘‘But with my journey, I definitely came out at the other end of the tunnel and come out a better person. And also a stronger person.’’