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An unorthodox fitness test on his collar bone has Quade Cooper confident he’s ready to shoulder the burden of launching a new-look Queensland Reds’ attacking game plan.
Cooper will play his first game since the Wallabies’ 2014 spring tour as one of four key backs returning from injury for the battling Reds in Friday night’s home Super Rugby clash with the Lions.
Cooper said the Reds now had the players to finally implement coach Richard Graham’s 2015 game plan that aims to give the gifted playmaker more options to run the ball.
The thought of Cooper in full flight has lifted the spirits of the besieged Graham, who declared on Wednesday it was time for the Reds (1-4 record) to “kick-start their season”.
But Graham may not have looked so kindly on the method his star five eighth used to ease any concerns about his recovery from a collar bone fracture.
Cooper admitted medical staff had no input when he asked three teammates, including 108kg centre Samu Kerevi, to test out his shoulder.
“I asked if they could put a few hits on me. I got dusted up once by Samu – I am lucky I got through unscathed,” said Cooper with a smile.
Cooper’s return provides Graham with two weapons he has badly missed this season – a natural No.10 and a goal-kicker who can make rivals pay for mistakes.
And, of course, someone to execute the game plan Graham spoke of at length in the pre-season which no one has sighted thusfar as the Reds coped with having up to 14 players sidelined by injury.
“The game plan is something we have worked on all year but it has been difficult having guys in and out of the team,” explained Cooper.
“To watch training and learn it for the past eight weeks probably puts me in a better position to execute it.
“It should free me up a bit more to get back into running. That’s something I am excited about.”
Former Wallabies utility James O’Connor is on the wing for the first time after returning from injury along with centre Kerevi and fullback Lachie Turner.
Props Greg Holmes and Ben Daley are also back from injury but have been named on the bench.
Graham said it was important Queensland got off to a winning start to the upcoming block of five games between byes.
He pointed out that two teams – the Chiefs and Highlanders – made the finals last year with eight wins.
Cooper is expected to improve on the Reds’ 43 per cent goal kicking accuracy when he takes over from O’Connor.
Beau Robinson will play club rugby this weekend after Graham opted for Curtis Browning at open side flanker and development squad player Michael Gunn on the bench.
Queensland: Lachie Turner, Chris Kuridrani, Samu Kerevi, Anthony Fainga’a, James O’Connor, Quade Cooper, Will Genia, Jake Schatz, Curtis Browning, Adam Thompson, Dave McDuling, James Horwill, Sam Talakai, James Hanson, James Slipper (capt). Res: Saia Fainga’a, Ben Daley, Greg Holmes, Marco Kotze, Michael Gunn, Nick Frisby, Ben Tapuai, Chris Feauai-Sautia.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.