KING OF PROP
Wolves star Cooper ready to take on Walmsley
MIKE COOPER knows his standing as one of Super League’s top props will be tested to the full in today’s Challenge Cup final rematch.
The Warrington front-rower has earned rave reviews for his last two performances, when he played 74 then 80 minutes in depleted Wolves teams that beat Hull FC and Castleford.
But this afternoon Cooper faces one of the game’s stand-outs in St Helens giant Alex Walmsley, who has been trampling over opponents and scoring tries regularly since the season restart.
And he is fully aware of the challenge in front of him and Steve Price’s side as they look to defend their trophy.
Cooper said: “Any time you play, it’s in the back of your mind to get the better of your opposite number.
“There’s no need for extra motivation for me other than doing my job as best I can – it doesn’t matter if I’m up against Alex Walmsley or anyone else. You’d say he’s the prop to beat at the moment. I’ve got huge respect for him.
“I’ve played against a lot of quality front-rowers both here and in the NRL, and he’s definitely up there.
“That’s not forgetting James Graham next to him who’s one of the best frontrowers the UK has produced.
“Me and Chris Hill have a job to do and we’ll do whatever we can to make sure we come out on top.”
Cooper says a smarter approach to frontline life has helped him cope with his heavy workload this month.
He added: “I had a couple of days of walking round like I’m 82 rather than 32, but I’m okay now.
“With the way I am and the way I train, I prefer to stay on for longer rather than coming off and on again.
“When you get older, you learn how to get yourself round the field in a smarter way. You use a few tricks of the trade.
“I look after myself a lot better than I used to and I’m probably in the best shape I’ve ever been in.”