REBELLIOUS COOPER COMES IN FROM COLD
QUADE Cooper’s chance for Super Rugby penance is finally here.
It’s been an agonising 17-month wait for the former Wallaby but he’ll strap on the boots tomorrow night in a strong Melbourne Rebels lineup to tackle the Brumbies in Canberra.
There were plenty of doubters who thought Cooper might never make it back after Queensland coach Brad Thorn told him he wasn’t needed at the Reds last season but he’s been rewarded for his perseverance.
He’ll start at flyhalf alongside his old mate Will Genia, reuniting the pairing that won the title for the Reds in 2011, in a strong Rebels side that includes recruits Isi Naisarani, Robbie Abel, Matt Gibbon and Brad Wilkin but will be missing injured Wallabies Adam Coleman and Reece Hodge.
The Brumbies beat the Rebels in a trial match last month but both clubs were juggling around different combinations.
Cooper’s not the only former Red looking to atone after being banished from north of the border.
James Slipper will make his debut for the Brumbies after he was told to go elsewhere when he twice tested positive for cocaine after batting injuries and depression.
Brumbies coach Dan McKellar has picked the former Wallabies strongman to start ahead of Test loosehead Scott Sio as he slowly makes his way back.