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No World Cup distraction for Cooper

David Beniuk 06/11/2010 12:52:08 PM Comments (0)

Wallabies excitement machine Quade Cooper is adamant negotiating his future won't become a distraction during Australia's Rugby World Cup preparations following his decision to re-sign for just one year.

Cooper is tied to the 15-man game until the end of the World Cup but could find himself sorting out his contract during Australia's build-up to the New Zealand tournament.

Speculation reached fever pitch as the 22-year-old decided between the ARU and NRL club Parramatta earlier this year.

Cooper's decision to sign on for one year only confirmed he would be at the World Cup, but also meant interest in what he would do after that would start well before the tournament.

Australia's most potent attacking weapon, Cooper has already shown an ability to put distractions aside.

He played some of his best rugby this year with a burglary charge, ultimately solved through mediation, hanging over his head.

He doesn't see 2011 being a problem either.

"Not so much," he said.

"I'm signed on until after the World Cup and I have committed to Australian rugby union so there's no distractions there."

Cooper said his priorities were such that contracts didn't weigh heavily on his mind.

"All you can do is just play your football, get on with life, enjoy the company of your friends, family and just be grateful that we are in such a great position to be playing football for a living," he said.

"We're living in a great country, got a great group of friends, great support networks and if you're just grateful and enjoying life, what else can go wrong?

"Worry about other things when it comes around to it."

Cooper's arrival in the UK has been met with intense interest from local media eager to hear the thoughts of rugby's new attacking star.

The Queenslander hinted the impact he was having on the game internationally could be one thing in rugby's favour as he weighed up his future.

"I definitely like where it's going at the moment, I'm really enjoying it," he said.

"Playing with your mates, getting to travel the world and playing on the international stage is something that really entices me.

"Having that opportunity to go to a World Cup and play in front of millions of people, it's a dream come true."

He is also acutely aware of the entertainment value he provides for a game struggling in some competitive sports markets.

"I like to think that the way I'm playing and the way the boys coming through are playing is really generating a lot of momentum for rugby union," he said.

"Rugby is in the entertainment business and we've got a lot of other sports to compete with."

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