Successful code switcher Russell Fairfax says the Australian Rugby Union (ARU) owes it to “dwindling” supporters to investigate the complaints of Quade Cooper.

Wallabies playmaker Cooper, sidelined with a knee injury, fuelled speculation about a possible move to the NRL when he spoke out publicly on Sunday about a “toxic environment” within the ARU and national team set up.

Queensland Reds chief executive Jim Carmichael had discussions with Cooper on Tuesday and believes he has no intention of switching codes.

But a three-year deal agreed between Cooper and the Reds is yet to be ratified by the ARU and influential Sydney Roosters chairman Nick Politis has reportedly directed the NRL club to pursue Cooper.

The ARU has so far refused to comment on the issue but Fairfax, a brilliant attacking five eighth and fullback who played eight Tests for the Wallabies before forging a successful first-grade rugby league career in the 1970s, feels that silence cannot continue.

“The way Quade Cooper has done it, (is) not the way I would have done it, but I applaud him for speaking out,” Fairfax told AAP.

“It’s up to the ARU now to launch an investigation into what Quade’s saying. Australian rugby owes it to their dwindling fans, their sceptical players … they need to investigate this.

“They need to find out whether Quade Cooper does have a gripe, does have a grief and is entitled to have his say. If he is, let’s correct it, if not, well, I’m sure the ARU will take the appropriate action.”

Fairfax, who played over 100 first grade games for the Roosters after switching codes in 1974, believed there was no reason Cooper wouldn’t be a hit in rugby league despite concerns over his defensive ability.