Brumbies coach lauds Cooper's impact ahead of Rebels opener

The former Wallabies and Queensland starter will be in the five-eighth role for the Rebels when they kick off the season against the ACT Brumbies on Friday night, making his return to the top competition after being jettisoned to Brisbane Souths in club rugby last year.

Cooper brought the fans back to Souths games and the Rebels hope he will do the same for them once their home season begins in round three.

There are some who will wonder how he will adjust back to Super Rugby and how well he will fit with his new club.

But the opposition coach on Friday night has no such concerns.

Brumbies coach Dan McKellar coached Cooper early in his career and he describes himself as a proud "Souths man".

While many coaches may have not caught too many Souths games last year, McKellar watched every one that he could take in and he marvelled at the impact Cooper made.

The Brumbies also chased Cooper's signature for this season before the Rebels won the day.

"I know him well. I coached him in Brisbane. He played for my club, Brisbane Souths, last year and being a Souths man I'd watch their games," McKellar told The Age.

"He had a really good influence there. He was great for the playing group and the club.

"I don't think Souths have ever had that many people at a game. Having 4000 people up at Chipsy Wood [Oval] - that's a busy clubhouse."

As highly as McKellar rates his former playmaker, the Rebels are concerned the Brumbies will send their defenders at Cooper and half-back Will Genia, risking penalties to knock them backwards and reduce their playmaking skills.

It's understood the Rebels will urge referees to be proactive in not allowing late hits to "change the behaviour" of their playmakers, especially in the opening minutes of games.

McKellar described Cooper as someone who couldn't be left in space but he added the Brumbies were equally concerned about focusing too much on Cooper and allowing Genia or others to find openings.

"Quade is a special player and you have just got to defend well," McKellar said.

"You have to make sure you have a good connection inside and outside and don't allow him too much time and space.

"But you add onto that they have Will Genia and a big forward pack, then Quade is just another player you have to worry about."

While Cooper will take centre stage on Friday night, new Rebels captain Dane Haylett-Petty wants his side to improve their disciplinary record.

The Rebels were among the most penalised teams last season and star forward Amanaki Mafi led the competition in both penalties and carries.

The Japanese international left in the off-season and they expect all their forwards to pick up the slack in attack and reduce their own penalty count as the Brumbies are known for punishing teams who give them too much possession.

"That hurt us the most last season - the discipline," Haylett-Petty said.

"We focused on that throughout pre-season and the trial games. The boys definitely improved that and against the Brumbies more than anyone, that will be very important."

The Melbourne Rebels play the ACT Brumbies at GIO Stadium, Canberra on Friday at 7.45pm.