Rugby: Cooper begins training after burglary incident

New Zealand born Wallaby Quade Cooper's future in rugby remains in doubt after he was arrested on the Gold Coast for burglary. Photo / Getty Images

Quade Cooper has vowed to do all he can to improve himself and show he deserves to kick off the Super 14 season against the NSW Waratahs next month.

The troubled Wallabies and Queensland playmaker's playing future remains in doubt after he was arrested on the Gold Coast for burglary last month.

Cooper on Thursday returned to training at Ballymore for the first time since being charged, running separately from the Reds squad due to a recent minor knee operation.

Although coach Ewen McKenzie said the 21-year-old was likely to join the full squad next week, his playing availability hinges on his progress in a personal development and counselling programme.

The Australian Rugby Union, Queensland Rugby Union and Rugby Union Players Association have set down the programme and will review his progress in early February.

A best-case scenario for Cooper is a clearance to play the Reds' last pre-season trial against the Western Force in Perth on February 5 before lining up in the interstate grudge match against the Waratahs at Suncorp Stadium on February 13.

Grateful for the support shown by the ARU and QRU, the skilful inside back said he was doing his best not to worry about court proceedings, which have been adjourned until after the Super 14 season in July.

Cooper stressed it was up to him, working in his program, to show he was worthy for a round one return.

``Playing footy is what I love and so to get back as fast as I can and close that window is all up to me,' he said.

``I've been fortunate the ARU and the QRU has stood by me and given me every chance to prove myself.'

Cooper was an impressive performer in the Wallabies' grand slam tour in November, starting all four tests outside Matt Giteau, but he knows test selection is now a world away.

He remains more hopeful than confident he'll be granted his desire to line up opposite former teammate Berrick Barnes, who will make his Waratahs debut at his old home ground.

``You always want to front up against NSW,' Cooper said.

``It will be a big game for us and the organisation having the Waratahs up here at Suncorp.

``I'm working very hard to get there and if all goes well and everything is sorted by then there's every chance I will be there.'

McKenzie praised Cooper for immediately ``fronting up' to the media after training, making a favourable comparison to the path undertaken by golfer Tiger Woods.

``I'm not surprised really, there are other examples in the world at the moment of other people not talking to the media but what's happened has happened in the past,' he said.

``Fronting up is an important part, not everything in your life goes perfectly but if you make a mistake fronting up is a pretty good tonic.

``When things go wrong in your life there's a bunch of things you can do and one thing you can do is show a strength of character and put your hand up and (say) I've done wrong and then do something about it.

``I'm liking what I see.'

Melbourne Storm recruit Will Chambers was a notable absentee from Reds training with a shin problem but McKenzie said he wouldn't miss any trial matches, which start on January 23 against NSW in Lismore.

- AAP