Mike Cooper to retire

[josie andrews]

* Mike Cooper to retire with immediate effect on medical advice.

* 35-year-old received neurological advice to finish playing or risk more serious damage.

* Cooper: “I am gutted that my playing days have ended this way, however that is sport.”

WIGAN WARRIORS PROP FORWARD MIKE COOPER IS TO RETIRE FROM PLAYING WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT FOLLOWING MEDICAL ADVICE.

Following his most recent concussion during his last appearance, the 35-year-old received neurological advice to finish playing or risk more serious damage.

Cooper has played 23 times for Wigan after joining the Club part way through the 2022 season, quickly establishing himself amongst the leadership group. He suffered a serious knee injury in the Good Friday Derby in 2023 which saw him sidelined for the rest of the year. He returned at the start of 2024 and became a Betfred World Club Challenge winner in the 16-12 win over Penrith Panthers.

His time with Wigan brings to an end a career that saw him make over 270 appearances in two spells with Warrington Wolves, and almost 70 appearances with St George Illawarra. The 35-year-old also represented England on 13 occasions.

Mike Cooper said: “I am gutted that my playing days have ended this way, however that’s sport. To finish my career at Wigan has been a fantastic way to bring it to an end. The Club is steeped in winning history and to have played a part in adding to that will always remain with me as a highlight of my time in the game.

“To the board, my teammates and the coaching staff, I will forever be thankful for the opportunity to wear the cherry and white. A special mention has to go to Matt, who has backed me from the start, he has gone above and beyond through some difficult times and I hope that I have repaid that faith during my time here. To all the players, staff and fans at our Club thank you! It’s more than just a Club, it really is a family!”

Wigan Warriors Head Coach Matt Peet said: “Working with Mike for the last three seasons has been a privilege. He has brought a great deal to our environment on and off the field. It has been great to get to know his family and particularly his two sons Oscar and George who mean the world to Mike. He can finish his career with immense pride in his achievements, the memories he has made and the way he has carried himself. I consider him a good friend and look forward to seeing him flourish in his life after rugby.”

Warriors Chief Executive Kris Radlinski said: “From the moment that Mike walked through the door to our Club, he has been a pleasure to deal with. He added that element of experience when we needed it. He has had an outstanding career on both sides of the world and I am so pleased that he managed to capture that elusive Super League ring with us. A champion of a bloke.”

Chairman Professor Chris Brookes added: “Mike is everything that is special about our Club, a committed, dedicated, loyal and proud man, inspiring those around him with his passion and sheer enjoyment of Rugby League.

“He has made a very special contribution both to Wigan Warriors and also England Rugby League and I know from personal experience there is no one more honoured to have represented our Country. I am both privileged and humbled to call him a friend.”

https://wiganwarriors.com/blog/2024/09/ ... to-retire/

[Charriots Offiah]

Sad news, I wish Mike all the very best.

[Wigan_forever1985]

Im glad he was able to tick off the trophy list with us, great professional and very good player and wish him all the best

[Beryl O'Neill]

Sad news wish you well in whatever you do in the future.

[Southern Softy]

Very sad and I'm pleased I saw his last great effort at Wembley when he drove through the Warrington defence with just a few minutes to go.
If any of our other props have as good a career as he did, then they'll be proud.
Wish him well for the future.

[fozzie58]

Fine player a sad way to bow out

[PF Warrior]

Very sad news for Mike and the club. Wish Mike all the best for the future.

[Wiganer Ted]

Sad way to end his rugby career.
Been a terrific player.
Wish Mike all the best for the future for him and his family.

[Riley 365]

Sad news but wish him all the best in his future!

[josie andrews]

Kris Radlinski and Matt Peet pay classy tribute to retiring Wigan Warriors prop: ‘A champion of a bloke’

Wigan Warriors CEO Kris Radlinski and head coach Matt Peet have paid tribute to retiring prop forward Mike Cooper, aged 36.

The England international hangs up the boots due to neurological advice after suffering a concussion against Leigh Leopards in July. He has not featured since.

Cooper made 23 appearances for Wigan since his move part way through the 2022 campaign, and was a part of the squad that won the 2023 League Leaders’ Shield and Super League title, although was sidelined with a season-ending ACL injury suffered on Good Friday.

He returned to action in 2024 and lifted a record-equalling World Club Challenge and a record-extending Challenge Cup for the Cherry and Whites

Paying his tribute, Warriors boss Peet said: “Working with Mike for the last three seasons has been a privilege. He has brought a great deal to our environment on and off the field.

“It has been great to get to know his family and particularly his two sons Oscar and George who mean the world to Mike. He can finish his career with immense pride in his achievements, the memories he has made and the way he has carried himself. I consider him a good friend and look forward to seeing him flourish in his life after rugby.”

Chief executive Kris Radlinski added: “From the moment that Mike walked through the door to our club, he has been a pleasure to deal with.

“He added that element of experience when we needed it. He has had an outstanding career on both sides of the world and I am so pleased that he managed to capture that elusive Super League ring with us.

“A champion of a bloke.”

Having also worked with him on the international stage, with Cooper winning 13 caps for England, Wigan chairman Professor Chris Brookes commented: “Mike is everything that is special about our club, a committed, dedicated, loyal and proud man, inspiring those around him with his passion and sheer enjoyment of rugby league.

“He has made a very special contribution both to Wigan Warriors and also England Rugby League and I know from personal experience there is no one more honoured to have represented our country.

“I am both privileged and humbled to call him a friend.”

https://www.wigantoday.net/sport/rugby- ... ke-4799799