State of Origin: Cowboys second rower Gavin Cooper called up to Queensland’s emerging squad

NORTH Queensland second rower Gavin Cooper was one of three Cowboys named in the Queensland State of Origin emerging squad.

NRL NQ Cowboys versus Brisbane Bronco's at 1300 Smiles Stadium in Townsville, QLD. Cowboy's Gavin Cooper and Bronco's Martin Kennedy. Picture: Wesley Monts

GAVIN Cooper is officially knocking on the door for State of Origin.

The consistent North Queensland Cowboys second rower was one of three Cowboys to be named in the Queensland State of Origin emerging squad on Wednesday, with Michael Morgan again in the mix along with 2014 recruit Tautau Moga.

The squad, which will gather for a training camp in Brisbane on January 9, includes Four Nations Test stars Ben Hunt and Josh McGuire as well as new Bronco Anthony Milford.

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Gavin Cooper’s consistency has impressed Queensland selectors.

Learning of his selection during a morning physiotherapy session, Cooper said his Queensland Origin dream was still very much alive.

“It’s always been there, but the Queensland team of the last eight to 10 years has obviously

been very hard to crack,” he said.

“I’d definitely be one of the older players in this (emerging) squad, but I guess it shows the quality of football we have been playing.

“If the opportunity came up to play Origin I’d definitely take it with both hands.”

Tautau Moga is another Cowboy on the Maroons’ radar.

Cooper, 29, has been on the radar of Origin selectors for at least the last two years thanks to his consistent club form, in particular his awesome left-edge combination with Cowboys and Queensland maestro Johnathan Thurston.

Suffering a dislocated hip in Round 10 this year, Cooper was ineligible for this year’s Origin series as Queensland had its eight year run of dominance snapped by a resurgent New South Wales.

But Cooper made an impressive return to action in Round 21 and played an integral role in North Queensland’s run through finals, resulting in Kangaroos’ train-on squad selection and playing for the Australian PM’s XIII against Papua New Guinea.

It is the first time Cooper has been included in an emerging Origin squad, however, which is overseen by QAS rugby league director Wayne Bennett and Maroons coach Mal Meninga.

Valentine Holmes has already played for Queensland at U20s level.

“It’s been a good move for me to come back up here,” Cooper said, who returned to the Cowboys in 2011 after four seasons spent with the Gold Coast Titans and Penrith.

“I’ve really enjoyed playing good footy at a good club, and it was good to get back to playing some decent footy this year.”

Townsville product Valentine Holmes (Cronulla) also made the senior Emerging squad.

QLD STATE OF ORIGIN EMERGING SQUAD: Gavin Cooper (Cowboys), Dale Copley (Broncos), Jake Friend (Roosters), Dane Gagai (Knights), Tim Glasby (Storm), Valentine Holmes (Sharks), Ben Hunt (Broncos), Brenton Lawrence (Sea Eagles), Edrick Lee (Raiders), Josh McGuire (Broncos), Anthony Milford (Broncos), Tautau Moga (Cowboys), Michael Morgan (Cowboys), Dylan Napa (Roosters), James Segeyaro (Panthers), Korbin Sims (Knights), Corey Thompson (Bulldogs), David Tyrrell (Rabbitohs).