Michael Cooper

Michael Cooper (born 15 September 1988) is an English professional rugby league footballer who plays as a prop for the Warrington Wolves in the Betfred Super League, and England Knights and England at international level.

He previously played for Warrington, and spent time away from the Wolves at the Castleford Tigers in the Super League. Cooper has also played for the St. George Illawarra Dragons in the NRL.

Cooper was born in Warrington, Cheshire, England.

Born in Warrington, Cooper began his career with the Warrington Wolves when he was a part of an under-11s side who went through a whole season undefeated, winning the championship along the way. He continued through the junior ranks and eventually become part of the first team.

He played in the 2012 Super League Grand Final defeat by the Leeds Rhinos at Old Trafford.

He played in the 2013 Super League Grand Final defeat by the Wigan Warriors at Old Trafford.

He had a loan period at Castleford in 2010. While at Castleford he got some regular first team action, due to Castleford's injury situation. Cooper played for the England Knights in 2011 and 2012.

St George Illawarra signed Cooper on a two-year deal. The Dragons agreed to a release fee with Warrington to sign the then 24-year-old, who had been under contract to the Wolves through until the end of the 2014 season.

St George Illawarra Dragons prop missed only one match during his début season in the NRL. Cooper played 14 games off the bench as an interchange prop and nine games starting on the run-on side. Cooper scored one try which came against the New Zealand Warriors in round 7, and in the same game made his only line-break. Cooper ended the season with an average of 44.2 minutes played per game. He also made 237 runs, and 2,058 metres. He has the best tackles to missed tackles ratio, with an average of 28.1 tackles a game, with only 0.9 missed.

After being selected in England's 2014 Four Nations squad, but not featuring in a match, McNamara selected him again for the 2015 end-of-year test series against New Zealand. In a test match beforehand, Cooper made his début for England in England's win over France.

In June 2016, it was announced that Cooper would be returning to Warrington on a 3-year deal for the start of the 2017 campaign.

He played in the 2018 Challenge Cup Final defeat by the Catalans Dragons at Wembley Stadium.

He played in the 2018 Super League Grand Final defeat by the Wigan Warriors at Old Trafford.

He played in the 2019 Challenge Cup Final victory over St. Helens at Wembley Stadium.

In October 2016, Cooper was selected in England's 24-man squad for the 2016 Four Nations. Before the tournament began, he featured in England's test match against France.