'His focus hasn't been on personal battles' - Will Genia on Quade Cooper's Reds return
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The Melbourne Rebels will head to Suncorp Stadium this weekend with the opportunity to take top spot in the Australian conference with Dave Wessel's side just a point behind the Waratahs.
The clash with the Reds at Suncorp will be an important one for Quade Cooper who will want to make a point when he faces off against Brad Thorn's side. Cooper was exiled from the Reds squad last year after Thorn took over as the side's head coach and spent the year playing club rugby for Souths.
Speaking ahead of the clash Cooper's halfback partner and fellow former Red Will Genia believes he and Cooper will receive a favourable reception from fans.
Genia is still a popular figure in his home state and said he was "jumping out of my skin" to play this week.
"I played them here in round one last year and it was a really good contest, I missed out on the game at Suncorp last year but I'm really looking forward to it," he said.
"It's obviously a place that's had really good memories for me on a personal level and being part of a winning Queensland Reds team but that chapter's closed and it's all about working hard this week to make sure that we get a result for this club and this organisation and the group."
Commenting on Cooper's departure and how he will be received by the fans Genia said:
"At the end of the day he didn't leave on bad terms with the Queensland public and the Reds fans,"
"His focus hasn't been on what it's going to be like and personal battles and who he's coming up against.
"It's just a case of him doing his job within our team to make sure we get a result so that we bounce back positively from our tour in South Africa."
Cooper's form so far in the competition has come as no shock to Genia.
"I hold him in pretty high regard. I never lowered my expectations in terms of what he brings to the game and a team on and off the field," he said.
"I've just been so grateful to have the opportunity to play with him again and see the impact that he's had on the group - not only on the field but off the field.
"He's got so much knowledge and understanding of how to play the game and his impact on the field in terms of how we want to play - his communication, his organisation, he's added so much value to the group."
Cooper will be eager to celebrate a win on Saturday but Genia said his mate had not had the date circled on the calendar.
"If it is something different, I haven't noticed it," he said of Cooper's preparation for his Queensland return.
"He's brought the same intensity, the same work ethic, the same qualities that he brings to each and every session every week."
Quotes via: Rugbycomau
