Cooper to step up as new-look Qld's mentor

He has played just three games for Queensland but back-rower Gavin Cooper will take on a leadership role for a new-look Maroons in the State of Origin opener.

Queensland's Gavin Cooper.

Gavin Cooper, with his years of experience, is happy taking on a leadership role for the Maroons. (AAP)

His entire State of Origin career spans just three games.

But it has not stopped back-rower Gavin Cooper taking on a leadership role for a new-look Queensland in Wednesday's series opener in Melbourne.

The Maroons are in desperate need of experience after skipper Cameron Smith recently joined Johnathan Thurston and Cooper Cronk in representative retirement.

After Queensland also overlooked Matt Scott and Darius Boyd for Origin I, the Maroons have suddenly lost a total of 151 Origin games' worth of experience.

Cooper has only strung together a handful of Origins since his 2016 debut.

But the 32-year-old veteran of 13 NRL seasons believes he still has plenty of experience to benefit a Maroons side that has received its biggest shake-up in more than a decade.

"I think so. I know I have only played three Origin games but I have played a lot of footy with and against a lot of these guys here," said North Queensland's Cooper, a veteran of 272 NRL games.

"Last year, speaking with Kev (coach Kevin Walters) coming into camp, he asked me my opinion on a few things.

"I felt a bit funny giving it just because I had only played a couple of Origins but he said I do have a lot of experience as a footballer - I know that.

"And I am a leader at our club. There are a lot of young guys in here (Queensland side) so if I have something to say, I will say it and that has always been the case."

Cooper has already taken 21-year-old North Queensland teammate Coen Hess under his wing at the Maroons camp before the team flies into Melbourne on Monday.

Hess was considered lucky to retain his Maroons bench spot for Origin I after a tough season start with the Cowboys.

But Cooper thought Hess had impressed as he made the transition from try-scoring impact bench weapon to 80-minute player at North Queensland this year.

"There has been a lot said about him getting in the team," Cooper said of Hess.

"I know he is not playing the same role at clubland as he was last year, so he's not coming on with the big tired forwards in the middle and scoring two tries a game.

"Everyone thinks he is having a s*** year but Hessy's form has been pretty good I thought."


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Source: AAP



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