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Warrington's Mike Cooper 'more confident' after NRL spell

Mike Cooper in action for the Dragons
Image: Mike Cooper in action for the Dragons

Mike Cooper says he returns to Super League a better player than when he left, after re-joining his home-town club Warrington following a three-year stint in the NRL.

The England international believes his time at St George Illawarra has made him 'a smarter player' and after arriving back from Down Under said: "I enjoyed my time away but it's nice to be back in your home surroundings again, with family and friends.

"I'm a lot more experienced now and a lot more confident in my ability.

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"Technically not a lot has changed. I'm probably a little bit fitter than I was when I left, and I know how to get myself around the field, I'm probably a bit smarter."

The 28-year-old forward made 69 appearances for the Dragons and is well placed to compare the two leagues: "It's a more attacking game in Super League, compared to the NRL which is a lot more defensive.

Cooper playing for Warrington Wolves in 2013
Image: Cooper playing for Warrington Wolves in 2013

"It's a lot more about completion rates. If you don't complete over 85 or 90 per-cent in NRL, you're not going to win the game.

"It's about not making errors. I don't think there is any difference in the skill levels."

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The two countries come face to face this month when Brisbane and Cronulla arrive in England to take on Warrington and Wigan in the Dacia World Club Series.

If you don't complete over 85 or 90 per-cent in NRL, you're not going to win the game.
Mike Cooper

Cooper added: "I watched the games last year and I was gutted really that there's never been a Super League team that's turned an NRL team over.

"There's quite a few coaches over there that just dismiss the World Club Series idea. We've got to get a win to prove a point. Hopefully we'll be the side to do it."

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