Gavin’s not flying the coop
QUEENSLAND enforcer Gavin Cooper says he will not follow Billy Slater into representative retirement but will instead continue to be avail for as long as he’s wanted.
The Cowboys back-rower will become the oldest player next year among the crop of Maroons, with Cooper to be 33 by the time the next series rolls around. He copped some criticism after Game One for his performance but has since been one of the standout forwards for Queensland.
He was one of the best on the field on Wednesday night, running more metres than any other forward (131m).
And Cooper believes he still has a lot more to give in the Queensland jersey, ruling out a representative retirement anytime soon.
“It took me a long time to get here,” Cooper said of his Origin career.
“I’m not going to give it up. It’s a pretty special group.
“The young guys that are coming in, they stood up (on Wednesday).”