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Wallabies coach Robbie Deans has confirmed playmaker Quade Cooper won’t be one of the six additions to his squad to play the British and Irish Lions, although troubled fullback Kurtley Beale will be.
However, Deans did leave open the possibility of Cooper playing a part in the series should injury strike key players.
An expanded Wallabies squad assembled at Caloundra in Queensland on Sunday to continue preparations for the Test series against the Lions starting on June 22.
The final squad of 31 is expected to be named late Monday with six more players to be added but Deans confirmed that Cooper would not be one of them.
“We’ve obviously not included him (Cooper) in the additional six at this stage, but as you’ve seen (with injuries), things happen quickly,” said Deans.
“This is a three-Test campaign and nothing surprises you in this industry.
“Quade is a huge talent; we understand what he is capable of,” Deans said.
“We’ve now settled on the squad and we’ll get on with our opportunity.”
Deans said watching Saturday night’s match between the Queensland Reds captained by Cooper and the touring Lions “probably just reaffirmed where we’re at”.
The players who arrived at the Wallabies training camp at Caloundra included Rebels fullback Beale, Brumbies centre Pat McCabe, scrumhalf Luke Burgess, backrower Peter Kimlin and prop Scott Sio, all of whom have yet to be named in the squad.
Deans said experienced Wallaby Beale had “presented himself in the right physical and mental shape” after a rehabilitation program to address problems with alcohol.
Meanwhile, Irish winger Simon Zebo has been placed on standby by the Lions for compatriot Tommy Bowe who broke his hand against the Reds.
(with AAP)
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