Cooper content since Wallabies omission

Exiled Wallabies playmaker Quade Cooper says his biggest current concern is the ongoing renovations to his house.

Coming off a rare, injury-free Super Rugby season, the Queensland flyhalf says his omission from Australia's Rugby Championsip squad did not dent his ego.

And the optimistic Cooper insists there will be no ill feelings driving him when he runs out for Brisbane City in the National Rugby Championship opener on Saturday.

"In terms of a shot to my confidence, not at all," he said.

"I've looked at it as a way to train and continue to get strong and healthy.

"So to be fully fit and healthy, I feel like it's a great thing for me.

"It is (a blessing) and if anything it's going to be great for my confidence."

Cooper will headline a City side that includes four capped Wallabies and 12 players with Super Rugby experience against NRC newcomers Fijian Drua at Ballymore.

The tournament provides a perfect springboard for established, emerging and untapped talent to push their cases for higher honours.

"In my head, automatically (I knew) the pathway to get back is here in the NRC," Cooper said of his thought process after being told of his Wallabies omission.

"So of course I'll be here working as hard as possible - the fire's there."

The 29-year-old has no plans to tweak his style or approach to please Michael Cheika, nor was he given any instruction to do so by the national coach.

"We just spoke more about his view on the squad and my position in not being in the squad," Cooper said.

"I'm just excited to play some football.

"I'm in a great mind frame at the moment ... probably the biggest stress in my life right now is the renovations of my house."

Fijian Drua will face a stiff first assignment in their NRC debut against the well-credentialed Brisbane City.

Cooper will pair with Reds teammate Nick Frisby in the halves while Wallabies squad members Kane Douglas, Adam Korcyzk and Samu Kerevi have all been named in the starting side