Hungry Wallabies playmaker Quade Cooper is confident he’ll return to action on Super Rugby’s resumption next weekend in a major boost to Queensland’s title defence.
Cooper was rested from Australia’s four mid-year Tests as he restarted rehabilitation from knee surgery but the 24-year-old expects to be fully fit for the June 29 clash with the Rebels in Melbourne.
The mercurial five-eighth underwent precautionary tests on resulting hamstring concerns in Brisbane on Friday morning and must wait until next week for an official clearance.
“That all went well on first look,” he said. “I felt strong and looked strong.
“I just have to wait until next week to learn my fate.”
Cooper and Wallabies medics opted not to risk him in this month’s internationals against Wales and Scotland, which has allowed Berrick Barnes to thrive at No.10.
The 35-Test star, who played in the Reds’ wins over the Lions and Brumbies before the Super Rugby break, said the risk fell from 28 per cent to a mere eight with an extra month on the sidelines.
“The statistics there were a no-brainer to have that time off,” he said.
An expected clearance will likely pit Cooper against good friends Kurtley Beale and James O’Connor in the Reds-Rebels clash, Queensland’s first of three they must win in the run into the finals to ensure a play-off berth.
The Reds lie five points behind the Brumbies in the Australian conference standings and could usurp the ACT-based outfit if they remain unbeaten and the Brumbies slip up.
But their biggest competition is with the Sharks, Hurricanes and Highlanders who are all within one point on the overall Super Rugby table and fighting for sixth spot.
Cooper denied Queensland, who have taken a more conservative attacking approach this season, would go all-out to rack up four-try bonus points to sneak ahead.
“We have to make sure we win firstly,” he said. “These things will look after themselves if we win first.
“We’ve got a great opportunity again this year.”
Cooper re-signed with the Reds two weeks ago on a new three-year deal and admitted he never considered leaving Ballymore due to the continued success he expects from the defending champions.
He stressed Queensland’s young squad, the bulk of which debuted when the Reds were competition cellar-dwellers until 2009, were as hungry as ever and hadn’t lost any desire following their 2011 triumph.
“To be honest it improves your drive when you succeed – you want it more and more.”