Cooper for Maroons

NORTH Queensland’s horrendous form will not cost Gavin Cooper his Queensland jumper, with the Cowboys back-rower set to be retained for Origin I.

As he prepares to face former club Penrith tomorrow in Bathurst, Cooper only has to stay fit to clinch the Queensland No.11 jumper for the series opener at the MCG.

The Cowboys face the Panthers languishing in equal last spot and their shock early-season free fall has delivered a jolt to the Origin selection hopes of star duo Michael Morgan and Coen Hess.

But Queensland coach Kevin Walters is backing Cooper.