Queensland Reds happy for Quade Cooper to have another boxing bout ahead of 2014 season

QUEENSLAND Reds coach Richard Graham says he has no problem with Quade Cooper continuing with his boxing career.

Cooper could have another bout in either January or February next year.

QUEENSLAND Reds coach Richard Graham says he has no problem with Quade Cooper continuing with boxing despite the injury risk it poses.

Cooper has made it clear since inspiring the Wallabies' tour ending 30-26 win over Wales that he will not follow in the footsteps of good mate Sonny Bill Williams, who has put his budding boxing career on hold for at least three years.

Due to the hectic year-round rugby schedule, Cooper may be forced to cram his second professional bout in between Reds pre-season trials, as he did successfully earlier this year.

However Graham backed Cooper's ambition and said boxing seemed to benefit his star playmaker's game.

"I have no issues (with him continuing boxing)," he said.

"I think physically it keeps him in really good condition."News_Rich_Media: Catch all the highlights from Australia's win over Wales.

Graham said winger Rod Davies (knee) was their only injury concern ahead of their pre-season which will include a February 14 clash with Melbourne Rebels at "spiritual home" Ballymore.

Meanwhile, it doesn't appear Graham will follow Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie's lead and relieve James Horwill of the Reds captaincy.

In what was subsequently deemed a masterstroke, Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie - Graham's Reds predecessor - sensationally replaced Horwill with Test rookie Ben Mowen as skipper in October.

Horwill bounced back after lacklustre form earlier to produce improved efforts on the tour to Europe, helping Australia finish with four straight wins last month.

As part of McKenzie's bold changes, Cooper was promoted to Wallabies vice-captain just a year after being persona non grata and his game flourished on the Europe tour with the added responsibility.

Graham admitted Cooper had put his hand up as a potential future Reds captain but claimed Horwill was never in danger of losing the Super Rugby team's reins.

"Quade has been outstanding on this tour," said Graham on Tuesday.

"He is confident and when he is you see the full array of skills that he has got - I think that makes us a better team.

"Quade has been a leader here for the last three or four years by the nature of his position.

"(But) Horwill has captained the team very well. There is no reason in my mind to change the captaincy."

Graham didn't but the theory Horwill may play better without the burden of leadership.

"I don't think necessarily taking the captaincy off him was the catalyst (to his form revival)," he said.

"James and Ewen would have discussed it and given great thought about it but it was fantastic to see him play well."