Lachlan Cooper played his part in plenty of big games last year – be it winning player of the match honours in Cup and on the representative stage – or starring in the BRL A Grade to help guide his team to the minor premiership, becoming a favourite for the headline writers along the way.
However, a chance to build on his various ‘super duper Lachie Cooper’ cameos and play some consistent high-level football has brought the halfback to the Ipswich Jets in 2022.
The Jets went down to a determined Northern Pride outfit in their Round 1 encounter last weekend, but there are positive signs for the future for a side that has a number of new faces and a new coach at the helm in 2022.
“(Last year) was really good (for my football), but obviously, I wanted to play Cup consistently, so that’s sort of why the move out here, that is why I took out this opportunity,” Cooper said.
“I thought I had a good season (last year), played some good footy, but am looking to build on that into this year.”
While Cooper, who works as a maintenance officer in South Bank, came to the Jets for more opportunity and a change of scenery, the home ground of North Ipswich Reserve would also hold some happy memories.
The halfback led the Brisbane Poinsettias side to the inaugural XXXX League Championship competition title last season, alongside fellow former Normanby Hounds Joshua Williams and Corey Kurnoth, who are also at the Jets this year.
“(There are) a few boys that I have played with at Souths, as well as a few boys from the local Brisbane comp who have come across and they have bought into the style and the culture really well and we are excited," Cooper said.
In the past few seasons, the Jets had become known for a particular style of football which was predictable for its unpredictability. When plays came off, there were spectacular, but when they did not, it left some fans craving some structured play.
With Ben Cross now coaching the side, the team are expected to follow a more ‘orthodox’ plan on the field, and Cooper said the whole squad were buying in to the new vision.
“He’s been good, he’s been really, really good,” Cooper said of working with Cross.
“I think he has changed the way Ipswich played the past few years and we are excited to see what we have done in pre-season and put it out on to the field.
“(It has meant a) change of mindset from everyone, but not particularly me because I have come from an outside environment where I am used to this sort of style and structure, but the boys here that were here originally have really bought into it.”
Ipswich Jets gains and losses
Gains: Auina Onosai (Easts/Knights), Dominic Ayoub (Manly), Ngangarra Barker (Burleigh), Ricco Falaniko (Brothers Ipswich), Joel Holdsworth (Sydney), Michael Naseri (Central Queensland Capras), Joshua Williams (Normanby Hounds), Nicholas Mataia (Brisbane), Jaydon Lonergan (Sydney), Lachlan Cooper (Souths Logan Magpies)
Losses: Richard Pandia (Souths Logan Magpies), Sebastian Pandia (released), Josh Johnson (Souths Logan Magpies), Josh Cleeland (retired), Tyson Lofipo (retired), Josese Waqalevu (released), Jordan Carriera (not playing), Timote Paseka (released), Shar Walden (not playing), Jayden Connors (Wynnum Manly Seagulls), Zac Hetherington (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs), Kierran Moseley (Norths Devils), Ben White (retired)
Other Hostplus Cup club gains and losses
PNG Hunters: Cup gains and losses for 2022
Wynnum Manly Seagulls: Cup gains and losses for 2022
Brisbane Tigers: Cup gains and losses for 2022
Burleigh Bears: Cup gains and losses for 2022
Norths Devils: Cup gains and losses for 2022
Redcliffe Dolphins: Cup gains and losses for 2022
Sunshine Coast Falcons: Cup gains and losses for 2022
Souths Logan Magpies: Cup gains and losses for 2022
Townsville Blackhawks: Cup gains and losses for 2022
Tweed Seagulls: Cup gains and losses for 2022
*Submissions made by clubs and correct at time of publication.
