12 Apr 2013

Cooper says omission from Wallabies squad no big issue

6:14 am on 12 April 2013

The Wallabies first five Quade Cooper has no problem with the national coach Robbie Deans and he says his omission from a two-day planning camp for the British and Irish Lions series is "no big issue".

25 year old Cooper, who fell out in spectacular fashion with Deans last year, played only three tests in 2012

after returning from the serious knee injury he sustained at the 2011 World Cup.

Cooper's contract negotiations with the Australian Rugby Union last November exploded into an acrimonious row with the player slamming Deans's tactics and what he said was a "toxic" atmosphere in the Wallabies camp.

Deans has since repeatedly said he would still consider Cooper for selection and the player said their relationship was now normal.

The Wallabies halfback Will Genia still expects his Queensland teammate to be outside him during the Lions series, and he doesn't want to team up with anyone else.