The troubled Wallabies rugby international Quade Cooper will return to Queensland training today aware he may lose his Reds number ten jersey even if cleared to start the Super 14 season.
Cooper, who was arrested on the Gold Coast last month on a burglary charge, makes his first pre-season appearance at Ballymore after undergoing a knee operation following his Wallabies tour of the UK.
While allowed to train, his arrest and subsequent court appearance has placed a cloud over his playing future.
Cooper has been ordered to undergo an extensive personal development and counselling programme before being considered for selection.
The mercurial inside back has met several times with new Reds coach Ewen McKenzie since the incident, while court proceedings have been adjourned until July.
But McKenzie is seriously considering giving the versatile Ben Lucas the chief playmaking duties and playing Cooper at second five where he impressed for Australia outside Matt Giteau in all four grand slam tour Tests.
