Quade Cooper says he's happy Ewen McKenzie is Wallabies coach but insists he'll have to earn his place in the side

QUADE Cooper says he's unsure if he will speak with Robbie Deans again but is happy the dedication of his coach Ewen McKenzie has been rewarded.

QUADE Cooper says he's unsure if he will ever speak with Robbie Deans again but is just happy the dedication of his coach Ewen McKenzie has finally been rewarded.

Speaking to News Limited last night, the star flyhalf said he harboured no ill-will towards axed Wallabies coach Deans but there were no regrets over his infamous "toxic environment" comments.

Those Twitter outbursts ultimately formed part of the reason the New Zealand native was dumped on Tuesday, a move several months in the planning and on the back of a series loss to the Lions.

Cooper said talk of him being the Wallabies' automatic No.10 was premature and the appointment of Reds coach McKenzie to the Australian post was not a "green card to the Test team".

McKENZIE'S TOUGH LOVE APPROACH

Cooper and Deans will not be catching up for coffee but, despite being culled from the Test team because of their falling out, Cooper did not want to celebrate his fall.

Cooper said he was just thankful his mentor had the opportunity and backed McKenzie to get the best out of each Wallabies' player.

"I don't know if I will talk to Robbie again but we haven't talked much in the past year anyway," he said.

"I have no negative feelings at all. I don't regret anything. I'm not negative about anyone - now is just about congratulating Ewen.

Ewen McKenzie

"I'm just really proud he got the job. I know how hard he has worked, he's a great coach and a great person.

"I know he will do all he can to set up the Australian camp for success. He will do great things for Australia."

The anti-Deans comments Cooper delivered nine months ago divided Australia's rugby community but, on reflection, they clearly had merit considering Deans' ultimate winning record of 58 per cent and no Bledisloe Cup.

While Deans insisted his dropping of Cooper was not personal, key Wallabies staff repeatedly criticised the playmaker to travelling British journalists.

With McKenzie's first task as Wallabies coach back-to-back Tests against the All Blacks it seems inevitable Cooper will be reunited with halfback Will Genia.
 

His chance to make McKenzie's Test choice obvious begins against the NSW Waratahs in Sydney this Saturday night. Cooper was adamant McKenzie would make him earn a recall: "I have to earn my spot.

"We have four games left to win a Super Rugby Championship and that starts against the NSW Waratahs this weekend.

"People would kill for the opportunity to be where I am so I'm just fortunate."