WARRINGTON WOLVES CONFIRM THAT PROP MIKE COOPER HAS AGREED A TWO-YEAR CONTRACT EXTENSION UNTIL NOVEMBER 2022.
Cooper, 31, is celebrating his testimonial this season, having developed through the club’s scholarship and academy system. He made his first-team debut back in April 2006 earning heritage number 1068. He has gone on to make 226 appearances in the primrose and blue to date.
Mid-way through his career he made the move over to the NRL in Australia, donning the St George Illawarra Dragons jersey for three years before making his hometown return for the 2017 season.
His career to date has seen him win at Wembley in the Challenge Cup on two occasions – 2009 and 2019 – as well as step out at Old Trafford for the Grand Finals of 2012, 2013 and 2018. Having previously represented England back in 2015 and 2016, this month has seen Cooper receive an invite back into contention for the England performance squad for the upcoming internationals.
Head coach Steve Price said: “It’s good to be able to extend the contract of another of our core senior players. I’ve had a good working relationship with Mike for a long time now. He has been one of our form forwards for the last couple of seasons. You know what you get from Mike each week; he has been really consistent in his performances and I’m ecstatic for him to re-sign at the club he loves. Being a local junior he loves the town and everyone involved. I can see him still evolving in his game too and push back into representative honours.”
Cooper added: “I am delighted to have agreed my new contract. As a local player having grown up with the club, it means that bit more to me every time I pull on our colours. It is an honour to be celebrating my testimonial this year too as Warrington Wolves has been a big part of my life from day one, and the support of the fans has been invaluable.
“I am still enjoying my Rugby League and it means a lot to me to be part of such a family orientated club. I can’t wait to be a part of the Wire family for another two years, and I still feel I have a lot to offer on and off the field out in the community.”