Widdop backs Cooper to shine for England

St George-Illawarra Dragons stand-off Gareth Widdop has tipped team-mate Mike Cooper for success at international level with England.

Prop Cooper has enjoyed a fine season with the Dragons, and Widdop believes that the time is right for his club-mate to make an impression in the Test arena against the Kiwis later this year.

“I think he’ll certainly be there,” Widdop told his club’s official website.

“He’s started every game this year. He’s been outstanding and worked hard for it, I’m sure he’ll be there.”

Widdop has also insisted that he will be fit for the series against the Kiwis, as he now has six weeks to properly recover from the thigh injury he has been carrying.

“I did everything to get myself right,” he said, after his team’s defeat to Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs

“It was good enough to get through the game.”