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LURE OF FRIENDS: Quade Cooper (R) said the prospect of joining close mate James O'Connor at the Force could lure him west. Source: Getty Images
QUEENSLAND rugby star Quade Cooper has revealed that if he does sign for the Emirates Western Force next month it will be because of his close friendship with James O'Connor and David Pocock.
Cooper wasted no time catching up with his two mates in Canberra this week as the Wallabies prepared for last night's Test against Fiji.
All three are of a similar vintage, the next generation of Wallaby stars who would combine to give the Force a potent edge if Cooper does accept an offer from the Perth club.
"I have not decided yet, it's still up in the air. But a major factor if I did come to Perth is that two of my best mates play there," said Cooper of a friendship cutting across bitter interstate rivalries.
The Reds flyhalf and O'Connor, the Force fullback, were rooming together this week and Cooper clearly sees the two combining to create an explosive attacking cocktail.
"It's great to be back in the Wallaby environment and catching up with James, my roommate," he said.
"We're about the same age. OK, he is a bit younger and likes to think he is more mature.
"They're just a lot of fun to hang around with. We get on well and enjoy a similar style of footy, which is one of the reasons we get along.
"James and I like to use the ball and David keeps everyone in check. He is an amazing leader and someone that a guy like myself and the younger guys can look up to."