Quade Cooper looks to regain form through National Rugby Championship

Australia international Quade Cooper is looking to regain his form and make a comeback into the national squad through the National Rugby Competition.

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Cooper, who will represent Brisbane City in the third tier competition was overlooked by Wallabies head coach Michael Cheika for the Rugby Championship tournament.

Cheika pointed out the dip in form of the 29-year-old with his Super Rugby side Queensland Reds where his goalkicking success rate was below 70 percentage and his line kicking seemed depowered at times as the reason behind the omission.

However, the fly-half insisted that there is no hard feelings between him and Cheika and is looking for a strong performance in the NRC.

“We just spoke more about his view on the squad and my position in not being in the squad,” Cooper said.

“I’m just excited to play some football.

“I’m in a great mind frame at the moment ... probably the biggest stress in my life right now is the renovations of my house.”

Despite, the Wallabies setback, Cooper, who has featured in 70 Tests wants to see the axing as an opportunity to come back strong as a better player.

“In terms of a shot to my confidence, not at all,” he said.

“I’ve looked at it as a way to train and continue to get strong and healthy.

“So to be fully fit and healthy, I feel like it’s a great thing for me.

“It is (a blessing) and if anything it’s going to be great for my confidence.

"I’ll be here working as hard as possible — the fire’s there.”

Cheika had more to say and questioned the refereeing of Nigel Owens in their 35-29 in their loss to the New Zealanders on Sunday.

The Wallabies head coach was particularly annoyed when All Black lock Brodie Retalick upended Australian flanker Ned Hannigan during a tackle situation.

"Retallick has picked up one of our blokes and put him on his head, categorically," Cheika said of the incident in the 23rd minute.

"He's got his arms through his leg, picked him up and then it's a free pass. The guy can't end up on his (head) any other way... just as well he didn't break his neck."

Referee Owens was alerted to the incident via the television match official Rowan Kitt which subsequently halted the game whilst they reviewed the footage. They came to the conclusion that they were both just clumsy getting to their feet, a description that wasn’t echoed by Cheika.