But Genia ruled out joining a Reds revival in Brisbane for now, admitting he would go back in a heartbeat if Queensland wanted him, but added he is happy and committed to Stade Francais.

Genia is on track to make his return from a persistent knee injury next month after it derailed his first season in Paris.

Cooper is edging closer to a new deal with the Reds with speculation he has turned down a contract extension with French glamour club Toulon and is set to return to Queensland via a stint in Japan.

The Rebels are also rumoured to be interested in Cooper and Wallabies coach Michael Cheika is keen to have him back in the Australian Test set-up.

If he links with the Reds he would join an impressive list of recruits for a club that is yet to sign a coach for the 2017 campaign.

Wallabies skipper Stephen Moore will leave the ACT Brumbies to join the Reds next year, while Australian great George Smith has also signed a contract and lock Kane Douglas will have recovered from a knee reconstruction.

Genia and Cooper lifted the Reds to Super Rugby glory five years ago, and Genia believes his former halves partner can give Queensland the direction they need.

"I think the Reds are going to be strong next year; George can mentor players in the whole squad and [Moore] brings that element of professionalism and leadership that the young team needs," Genia said.

"If Quade goes back too, he's going to give them that direction in games and bring all of his talents.

"I think he feels like it's a bit unfinished for him at the Reds after having a chat to him."

Genia has played just four games since the World Cup final last year and has battled knee problems after shifting his career to Paris.

He is in Mauritius for the world club 10s tournament and is the backs coach for the Africa Pacific Dragons.

Genia had hoped to be back on the field to play in the event that also includes the Brumbies and the Western Force, but is giving his knee extra time to recover before starting pre-season training with Stade Francais in July.

Cheika was keen for Genia to join Australia in camp and potentially play the third Test against England in Sydney next weekend.

But his knee wasn't ready for the intensity and workload of Test rugby. The 114-game Reds half left the door ajar for a Queensland return in the future, but is firmly committed to Stade Francais.

"I never left the Reds feeling like I had unfinished business, I was there for nine seasons and was lucky enough to have some success," Genia said.

"From a former player's point of view, it's just good to see that they've got a bright future moving forward.

"Who knows what could happen in the next few years. I'm at Stade Francais for the next three years and after that, if the Reds ever wanted me to go back ... I love the place, I'd go back in a heartbeat.

"But at this point in time I don't feel like I want to go back just because they're building a strong team, I'm happy where I am.

"I've spoken to [Cheika] and let him know that I'm absolutely keen as mustard to be involved in all Wallabies Tests if he deems I'm good enough and performing well.

* Chris Dutton is in Mauritius for the world club 10s tournament as a guest of Mauritius Tourism and Carinat Sports Marketing.