Quade Cooper has taken revenge on his former Super Rugby side with the Melbourne Rebels getting the better of the Queensland Reds in their pre-season trial at Ballarat.

Cooper’s Rebels led 12-0 but looked set for a tight loss until reserve five-eighth Stu Dunbar scored with the final play of the game on Friday to clinch a 29-26 win.

Unwanted by Reds coach Brad Thorn during the 2018 season, Cooper shifted south in the hope of reigniting his international career.

He played the first 35 minutes of the trial, lining up at No.10 against Reds prodigy Hamish Stewart with the pair splitting the points.

Cooper was busy in attack, particularly with his boot as he looked to chip kick over the willing Queensland defence with varying levels of success.

He also fumbled a kick over the sideline right in front of the Queensland bench, who were happy to wind up their former teammate who played 118 times for the Reds.

Melbourne led 12-7 at half-time with their tries scored by Billy Meakes and Hugh Roach from rolling mauls.

Queensland centre Duncan Paia’aua, who topped his team’s carry count, strolled across for his side’s opener.

Lock Luke Jones, who returned to the Rebels after two years in France, was one of his team’s best.

Using almost all of the 35-strong squad it was difficult to get a read on the Rebels but lock Sam Jeffries, outside back Justin Masters and winger Tasi Tautalatasi were busy.

For the Reds, Wallaby lock Lukan Salakaia-Loto, who was formerly known as Lukan Tui, made a solid rugby comeback after an emotional Test against Argentina on the Gold Coast ended with him in a sideline scuffle with a fan.

The Reds looked like they had the win in the bag with a five metre scrum in the final few seconds, but the Rebels forced a tight head and sent the ball wide with Dunbar diving over.