Cooper to start for Brisbane City in NRC

Quade Cooper will continue his push for a Wallabies call-up on Friday with a starting role in Brisbane City’s National Rugby Championship match against Greater Sydney Rams at Parramatta Stadium.

Cooper spent five months on the sideline recovering from a shoulder injury, but returned to full contact last Sunday with a 20-minute cameo off the bench in City’s win over Queensland Country at Ballymore.

The flyhalf is hoping time in the NRC will lead to consideration for the Bledisloe Cup clash at Suncorp Stadium on October 18.

His inclusion in City’s first XV is one of seven changes to the side, which is aiming to secure second place on the NRC ladder.

The club has won four of their five games are eyeing a home semi-final.

“Bringing Quade into the starting lineup is an obvious boost for the team,” coach Nick Stiles said.

“He looked confident in his 20 minutes off the bench last weekend and you can’t keep a guy of his talent and competitiveness out of the side for long.

“Jake McIntyre has been excellent for us throughout the competition and he certainly still has a role to play from the bench.

“The more time he spends alongside Quade in a team environment, the better he will be for it.”

Wallaby hopeful Liam Gill has been dropped from the team, with Michael Gunn to start at openside flanker for the first time in two matches.

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