Cooper and Widdop to miss Auckland Nines

St George Illawarra pair Mike Cooper and Gareth Cooper will miss the Auckland Nines to face Wynnum-Manly Seagulls in a trial.

The trial is to take place at the same time as the Auckland Nines tournament, and will be played at Pinklands Oval on Saturday 6th February. Widdop will captain the Dragons.

Cooper has expressed his enthusiasm to be playing in this game and admits it will be good preperation for the season ahead. 

“We are all looking forward to play whether it be against the Wynnum-Manly Seagulls organised by Redlands Juniors or at the NRL Auckland Nines,” Cooper told the Dragons’ official website. 

“Knowing that the first game is just around the corner is something I’m looking forward to and there are selection spots up for grabs to be part of either team.

“For me in particular I am looking forward to it as my brother actually player there for a few months so I am familiar with the area at Redlands.

“It will be good to get a chance to compete in front of a passionate crowd who appreciates their rugby league and I hope to see a few Red V Members cheering us on too.”