Upbeat Cooper still eyeing return

DUMPED Queensland Reds playmaker Quade Cooper said yesterday he held out hopes of a return to the Wallabies via club rugby at Brisbane team Souths.

Cooper, 29, said he was excited to be back at his childhood club after new Reds coach Brad Thorn told him he was not part of his plans for the Super Rugby season.

He said he had not considered a move overseas to Europe or Japan after being frozen out by the Reds.

“I signed a three-year contract. That’s showing your cards. “I want to be here for three years. “I want to enjoy my time here and I get the opportunity to play for my club,” Cooper said.