Quade Cooper's ready to rumble for Reds and Wallabies

QUADE Cooper was so confident Robbie Deans would never pick him again he began planning a return to the boxing ring in November.

QUADE Cooper was so confident Robbie Deans would never pick him again he began planning a return to the boxing ring in November, the month of the Wallabies' spring tour.

Despite constant assurances from Deans that he would pick the Queensland Reds star if his form warranted it, it is understood the talented flyhalf was rated "last option only".

That prompted Cooper to start organising his off-season, believing that if Deans was still Wallabies coach he would remain in exile.

While the November charity fight is on hold now Reds mentor Ewen McKenzie is coach, Cooper will continue his pugilistic career in the summer and wants to reach the top in that sport as well.

He has been training at his Lutwyche gym twice a week since he won his first bout via knockout, dropping Barry Dunnett at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre in February.

Cooper did not want to comment on Deans but confirmed he wanted a second bout late this year.

"I would love to have another fight," Cooper said.

"I can't look too far down the track though because there are so many things right now I have to focus on so I'll leave the fight to the end of the year.

"There's too much on at the moment so we'll see when that happens."

Queensland yesterday announced James Slipper as their new skipper for the clash against NSW Waratahs tomorrow night.

The game is inconsequential to the team's finals hopes, but a match against Canterbury in Christchurch looms a week later in the first round of post-season fixtures.

With Will Genia and James Horwill missing, Cooper's talent becomes even more critical.

"This is a massive game for the Reds and that's why I can't look too far ahead," Cooper said.

"For me it is about focusing on the team I'm involved in and the Reds have some massive games coming up with this finals series.

"I'm controlling the things I can control and that's work ethic, attitude and improving every day.

"I get to show my skills every week for the Reds. I love playing rugby and that starts again this Saturday night.

"There's four games to win the Super Rugby championship and we are jumping out of our skins to do that."

Cooper said his non-selection for the Lions tour was a gift in disguise, allowing him some needed rest.

"For me it is difficult to watch training from the sidelines, so of course I wasn't happy about not being there," Cooper said.

"But I also had a few weeks to get rest and prepare myself for this finals series."