Toughness big part of veteran’s make-up
PUNISHMENT has played a big part in the career of Cowboys veteran Gavin Cooper. But it hasn’t always been dished out by the second rower.
Countless times the 33year-old has returned from an 80-minute war looking beaten, bruised and bloody.
But it has not stopped him running back out the next week.
Cooper’s work ethic off the field has allowed him to be one of the most consistent Cowboys of the past decade, only playing less than 20 games in a season once since returning to the club in 2011.
It is his ability to keep fighting through adversity that has become a trademark of his career as he aims up for his milestone 300th NRL game.
It is also something that has not gone unnoticed by his teammates including Tongan duo John Asiata and Jason Taumalolo.
“To see him, what he does for us as a team, what he does off the field and what he puts his body through every weekend. He beats himself up a fair bit,” Asiata said.
“For him to reach this milestone it is a credit to him. The way he looks after himself off the field and how professional he is.
“He has got sausage skin on his face, he seems to split himself nearly every game,” Taumalolo added.
“That just proves how tough, not only rugby league is, but how tough he is to play 300 games.”
Off the field, Cooper has been a key with connecting the two generations of Cowboys. He has an ability to communicate and connect with the younger brigade coming through the ranks, while also seamlessly fitting in with his longstanding comrades.
He has been a key part of a lot of rising stars’ development, including Taumalolo who was still at Kirwan High when he made his first grade debut.
“I think he has been part of, not just my development, but everyone else’s. Being a good leader and helping the club to its maiden premiership,” Taumalolo said.
“Coops played a strong role in the club’s identity over the past few years.
“He definitely has mentored the younger generation. Coops is definitely one of the special players off the field.”