Quade Cooper: Battling with Matt Toomua and Bernard Foley for the no 10 jersey
Quade Cooper admits he has always been hungry to play for Australia after being recalled to the national fold by new coach Ewen McKenzie.
The fly-half has not featured for the Wallabies since last September, including missing out on the home series against the British and Irish Lions.
"Not knowing if you're going to be involved in the team, that's something when you're away from the team you've got to work hard on and if you are lucky enough to be called up, then you're ready to go." Quade Cooper However, Robbie Deans' departure has opened the door for the 25-year-old to return under his former boss at the Queensland Reds ahead of the upcoming Rugby Championship. "When you have time away from the game, whether it be for your club side or your national team, whenever you're selected for that team again the hunger is always there," he said. "But, for me, my work ethic away from the team is what I've had to work on the most. "Not knowing if you're going to be involved in the team, that's something when you're away from the team you've got to work hard on and if you are lucky enough to be called up, then you're ready to go." Competition Australia host world champions New Zealand on August 17 in Sydney and Cooper is in competition with uncapped duo Matt Toomua and Bernard Foley for the pivotal no 10 jersey. "Every position is hotly contested and No.10 is no different," he added. "There's two other guys who are great players and who have done a great job for their teams throughout the year. So I've just got to come here with an open mind. "Obviously you can't look at yourself as being the best at everything. There's going to be things that I'll bring to the team and things that they'll bring to the team. "So as long as we can learn off each other and try and contribute as much to the team as possible, I'm sure whoever is picked in the position can do a great job for the team." Source : http://www1.skysports.com/rugby-union/news/15175/8858706/rugby-championship-fly-half-quade-cooper-enjoying-being-back-in-australia-squad
However, Robbie Deans' departure has opened the door for the 25-year-old to return under his former boss at the Queensland Reds ahead of the upcoming Rugby Championship.
"When you have time away from the game, whether it be for your club side or your national team, whenever you're selected for that team again the hunger is always there," he said.
"But, for me, my work ethic away from the team is what I've had to work on the most.
"Not knowing if you're going to be involved in the team, that's something when you're away from the team you've got to work hard on and if you are lucky enough to be called up, then you're ready to go."
Australia host world champions New Zealand on August 17 in Sydney and Cooper is in competition with uncapped duo Matt Toomua and Bernard Foley for the pivotal no 10 jersey.
"Every position is hotly contested and No.10 is no different," he added.
"There's two other guys who are great players and who have done a great job for their teams throughout the year. So I've just got to come here with an open mind.
"Obviously you can't look at yourself as being the best at everything. There's going to be things that I'll bring to the team and things that they'll bring to the team.
"So as long as we can learn off each other and try and contribute as much to the team as possible, I'm sure whoever is picked in the position can do a great job for the team." Source : http://www1.skysports.com/rugby-union/news/15175/8858706/rugby-championship-fly-half-quade-cooper-enjoying-being-back-in-australia-squad
