Quade Cooper eyes Wallabies return

Queensland Reds flyhalf Quade Cooper has said he still has hope for a Wallabies return.

The 29-year-old revealed he was excited to be back at his childhood club Souths after new Reds coach Brad Thorn told him he was not part of the team’s plans moving forward.

Cooper told reporters he had not considered a move overseas after being dumped by the Reds.

“I signed a three-year contract. When you sign a three-year contract, that’s showing your cards,” said Cooper.

“I want to be here for three years. I want to enjoy my time here and I get the opportunity to play for my club.

“If the opportunity arises where I get the chance to represent the Reds and the Wallabies again, then so be it.

“But at this point in time, I’ve got a great opportunity to represent this great club, to go out there and hopefully win a title for Souths.”

The 70-test veteran has not been selected by Wallabies coach Michael Cheika since last June.

Cooper is excited to show that club rugby is still a key pathway to higher honours.

“Whenever I go to a school or go and watch a game, parents always come up to me and ask me about the pathway for their kids to reach the top — to play for the Reds or to play for the Wallabies — and club rugby is that pathway,” he said.

“So for me to be able to use that pathway that’s there in place for us, it’s a great opportunity,”

Cooper added he was delighted to see the Reds doing so well in Super Rugby, who have won three consecutive games for the first time in five years.

“I’m still part of the team. I’ve played 120-odd games and I love that they are doing well.”