Revenge mission kicks off Cooper’s Rebel life

QUADE Cooper steered the Melbourne Rebels to a hard-fought 29-26 win over his former side Queensland Reds as they warmed up for the Super Rugby kick off on February 15.

Unwanted by Reds coach Brad Thorn during the 2018 season, Cooper shifted south to Melbourne from Queensland in the hope of reigniting his international career.

Cooper, who was recalled to a recent Wallabies training camp, has not represented his country since 2017. He has played 70 Tests since making his debut in 2008 and he played in both the 2011 and 2015 World Cups.

Now, with a fresh start at the Rebels, he is making a play for his third World Cup, in Japan at the end of the year.

Cooper’s Rebels led 12-0 at one stage but looked set for a tight loss until reserve half-back Stu Dunbar scored with the final play of the game to clinch a 29-26 win.

Cooper, below, played the first 35 minutes of the trial, lining up at No.10 against Reds prodigy Hamish Stewart with the pair splitting the points.

Cooper was busy in attack, particularly with his boot as he looked to chip kick over the willing Queensland defence with varying levels of success.

He also fumbled a kick over the sideline right in front of the Queensland bench, who were happy to wind up their former teammate who played 118 times for the Reds.

Melbourne led 12-7 at halftime with their tries scored by Billy Meakes and Hugh Roach from rolling mauls.

Queensland centre Duncan Paia’aua, who topped his team’s carry count, strolled across for his side’s opener. Lock Luke Jones, who returned to the Rebels after two years in France, was one of his team’s best.