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.
Phil O'Donovan
Guest
I suggest you look @ history of the two players.Sexton is far more successful .He is also a more inteligent player than Cooper.Under pressure Cooper has constantly failed.They really do not bare comparison.
Peter Hughes
Guest
POST GAME - and of course Q Cooper was not able to successfully relaunch the Reds. It was unfair on him ot suggest he could. Reds put in another dire performance showing all the same issues that have blighted them ever since Graham became coach. From day 1 he's been a disaster for the Reds. The biggest surprise is why oh why do the Reds management persist with Graham. Blind Freddy can he see he's a big part of their problems. Why wasn't he sacked long ago. In not taking action Reds management is also to blame for another wasted season.
harry
Guest
Cooper to relaunch reds bwahahahahahahahahhah im still laughing in fact im coming out of my nose
Peter Hughes
Roar Rookie
The Reds issues in past 2 seasons have been poor coaching poor defense, lack of game plans, poor player execution & lack of desire to win. Can’t expect Q Cooper (or any single player) to solve those issues.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Well Quirk, Tui and Robinson are injured and unavailable. Gill is suspended and unavailable. Thomson and Schatz are already starting. Michael Gunn on the bench isn't even an official squad member. The only remaining loose forward from the squad is an under 20 number 8. Who else would you select there?
PeterK
Roar Guru
I think that is why JoC is at 11, he can roam and jink in as a strike option for QC
PeterK
Roar Guru
I do as well. I hope they win the rest of their matches except the return one against the Tahs.
Brian USA
Guest
Love the fact that Cooper is back! I wish the back line had Kerevi at 12 with CFS at 13, or Taps at 12 with Kerevi at 13 to Give QC Some better strike options. I suspect the only reason Ant is starting at 12 is defensive insurance. When in form, QC is up there with the best in the world!
Roberts
Guest
I agree strange comment that Graham has based his whole attacking gameplan around one player with no plan B. Who is the backup goal kicker... I'm going to be smiling tomorrow night at the game. Either we have a win or the coach finally gets shown the door. That's a win either way!!
johnno2
Guest
so when cooper was injured, there was no "plan B"? good coaching
RobC
Roar Guru
Cheers Jez, Don. Best wishes to the Reds, and fellow fans! As they battle with my fav SA team. Plan to make it down with two of my sons for the Chiefs game in early June, then to Sydney for the Reds / Tahs match. Hope our form lifts by then!
dru
Roar Rookie
Surely you jest. With the loose forwards in this team?
Magic Sponge
Guest
At least they have their hair done immacutely. True metros, just cant play.
Akari
Roar Rookie
I think he meant, "Jacks".
Don
Roar Rookie
Nice work Jez. I'll be there with a few mates hoping the Reds turn the season around with a win and some really good rugby. Also hoping Michael Gunn gets a run. This guy is someone to look out for in the future.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Probably from the 2 first choice 7's unavailable and the next option being a club player.
pjm
Roar Rookie
Stop talking to yourself
Jack
Guest
Sprigs I agree 100% with you and a fit and firing Cooper will be worth 2 Folau's come world cup time.I am sick of hearing that he can not defend,since he started boxing that part of his game has improved out of site. FINALLY THE PERSON WHO MADE COMMENTS UNDER NAME JACK NEEDS TO USE ANOTHER NAME.
Sprigs
Guest
Who thought he was frail and who thought they had his number? Many? No. Only those whose wishes trumped their analytical ability. Nobody had or has his number. But many spotted the 10 on his back as they turned to look after he flashed past them to dot down a try or to pass to a mate to score. He has long been one of the best in the sport and when he plays the crowds come to watch and enjoy.
jeznez
Roar Guru
Best of luck to the Reds. Hope that Cooper and your other returning troops can turn your season around.