Quade Cooper has signed a new two-year deal with the ARU. Source: Getty Images
QUADE Cooper says he is happy to work under Wallabies coach Robbie Deans after officially signing with the ARU.
Speaking at the Queensland Reds Ballymore headquarters today, Cooper said he was "very happy" to remain in rugby union.
Cooper signed a two-year deal with the national body this week while rejecting a two year offer from a French rugby club. The deal will reportedly earn him about $800,000 a season.
He will still honour his boxing commitments and make his ring debut on February 8 at cruiserweight.
Cooper said he had no issue with Deans and wanted to impress in a Queensland Reds jersey in hope of playing for the Wallabies against the British and Irish Lions next year.
Asked if he would play under Deans, Cooper said "of course".
"He’s the coach. It (their relationship) is not something I have to improve," Cooper said.
"His job is to coach and get the best out of the team.
"My first goal is to get back out there for Queensland and then if I play well the opportunity will arise to play for my country.
"It is a big year coming up."
Cooper revealed he did consider a hefty contract to play in France.
"We could have brought that offer up in the last press conference but we didn’t," Cooper said.
"I want to thank them for the opportunity though."
Cooper has a three-year deal with the Reds but the ARU works on two-year cycles so there will be a fresh negotiation in 2014.
It has not just been tweaks to financial elements of the contract but Cooper feeling "more wanted" that got the deal in the bank, after he felt isolated from the Wallaby camp he criticised mid-season.
"It wasn't just the financial piece but getting the emotional piece right," Queensland Rugby Union chief executive Jim Carmichael said last night.
"The ARU has shown great support to bring this to a point where we have the right decision for the game, one of rugby's real talents and Quade's future.
"Where there might not have been trust and understanding a few months ago, there has been positive dialogue and everyone working towards the same thing.
"I know Quade is in a really good place with what he wants to achieve for the Wallabies, as well as Queensland."
The Reds will play their opening trial of the year on February 2 in Toowoomba against the Auckland Blues, which means Cooper will be in for a busy week.
He will be groomed to play part of the trial before making his boxing debut six days later at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre on February 8.
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