“NOBODY deserves this more than Coops.”

Those were the words of Joe Philbin as he heaped praise upon his Wire teammate and fellow Warringtonian ahead of his testimonial match.

Wolves supporters are likely to get their first glimpse of Philbin against Salford Red Devils on Thursday in a game to mark 10 years of Cooper in a Warrington shirt.

For the likes of Philbin and Declan Patton, Cooper was an example that the system does work in this town – the seemingly impossible dream is infact anything but.

“He is such a leader at our club,” Philbin said.

“He’s a no-nonsense player and person – that’s my type of person.

“He does everything at 100 miles per hour and I hope the fans turn out for his testimonial because he’s given so much to this club.

“He obviously had his three-year hiatus in Australia and he’s come back twice the player.

“I just hope I’m picked to play!”

Philbin and Cooper are one and the same albeit from different sides of town – the former grew up in Culcheth while the latter was Appleton.

Both standard-bearers for rugby league in Warrington and both keen to see more players born in this town pull on the primrose and blue.

For the fans, Cooper really is one of their own and Philbin hopes they turn out in force to support him.

“Cut him in half and he’s primrose and blue,” he said.

“He’s Warrington through-and-through – people like him deserve the fans’ support

“I can’t speak highly enough about him – he’s a legend of a bloke and a very good player that we’re very lucky to have.

“We want more Warrington lads coming through and making it. There’s not enough at the minute.

“We’ve put a lot into our youth system though so hopefully, that changes in the years to come.”