Cooper Retires From Representative Duty

[Spartan - Dragon]

http://www.dragons.com.au/default.a...title=cooper-retires-from-representative-duty


Cooper Retires From Representative Duty



10/04/2011 7:11:04 PM


St George Illawarra Dragons centre Matt Cooper has announced his retirement from representative football following victory over the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs on Sunday.
The Shellharbour junior, who score twice during the reigning Premiers’ 25-6 Men of League Heritage Round fixture, cited looking after his body as the main reason for hanging up the boots.
“It was a tough decision to make but I’m getting older now and need to look after my body,” said Cooper.
“I spoke with my family and decided this was the best thing for me to do as I want to keep fresh and look after my body.
“I love the game so much but I have to think about my future at the Club and maintain trying to keep fresh.
“I’m feeling good at the moment but it does take a lot out of you sometimes playing twice in a week.”
Cooper, 31, represented Australia at international level on seven occasions in addition to playing 13 State of Origin games for the NSW Blues.




Good decision, will focus more on the Dragons and make it last longer! He's in great form atm!

 

[God-King Dean]

I personally don't think he would have been picked, but it's good to see he has his priorities right. Wanting to be re-signed is probably a factor as well.

 

[RedVDave]

I personally don't think he would have been picked, but it's good to see he has his priorities right. Wanting to be re-signed is probably a factor as well.

He might have been picked for Country so thankfully thats certainley a no go. I do agree about NSW though I highly doubt after the bagging he copped last year that he would have been picked again.

 

[Spartan - Dragon]

Everyone is carrying on about Idris but Cooper completely dominated him yesterday.

 

[Godz Illa]

I personally don't think he would have been picked

Not so sure. He's playing well and the main contenders for the left centre spot are off the radar. Jennings is playing like a turd, and both Josh Morris and Chris Lawrence have serious injuries. Watching the replay last night Gould was talking him up. Very glad that Cooper has made the decision to remove himself from the rep scene though. Dragons are number 1

 

[Daniel Dragons]

I think he might just have been picked with Lawrence out injured. Good to see he has his priorities right. However, please make the contract extension just one more year. If, at the end of 2012 he is still good, then give him another year.

Nothing worse than going on for one year too long...

 

[God-King Dean]

Maybe. Though I feel after Cooper's porr performance last Origin he would be on the outer with the selectors. Dispite playing awesome, I fear this will be the case with Creagh as well.

 

[Pirate Pete]

Agree with Spartan. they will blame Idris' performance yesterday on his leg but he was totally outsmarted and outplayed yesterday by Cooper.
Pete.

 

[Mr Angry]

I have always rated Coops and thought he always played well for NSW. People simply forget how good the QLD team has been for 5 years. Slater, Lockyer, Thurston, Smith, what a spine.

 

[Spartan - Dragon]

Maybe. Though I feel after Cooper's porr performance last Origin he would be on the outer with the selectors. Dispite playing awesome, I fear this will be the case with Creagh as well.

Good I say, then our key players will be fresh and can focus on another Grand Final

 

[Slippery Morris]

This guy is a true club man. Has always shown alot of loyalty to the red V.

Why are the Saints are so good, its' because they have players like Coops who love the club and could of went anywhere else. Players like Morris, Creagh, Young, Hornby, Nightingale, Gasnier are true blue Dragons. Other clubs have got too many players that are just there for the cash. It's like a job for them. They have no passion as Money is theor motivation.

 

[Outlaw Pete]

Who is the female fool on Sky News saying Boyd and Cooper will probably follow Wayne to Newcastle ? These talking heads have no idea.