Saturday could mark Quade Cooper's last time in a Wallabies jersey this year, with the halfback leaving his Test fate up to Rugby Australia and his club to negotiate.
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Three Wallabies stars - Cooper, Samu Kerevi and Sean McMahon - signed to Japanese clubs were named in the Australian side's spring tour.
Initially it was thought they had been given the all clear by their clubs, but the issue has resurfaced hinting they may only be able to feature in the Oita game.
Keveri's fitness following his ankle injury is yet to be determined for Saturday's fixture, and McMahon can not play, as he returned to Japan early to see family and did not enter the Wallabies 10-day bubble.
Cooper, on the other hand, has been the favourite in the number 10 jersey and is likely to feature, but it remains unclear if it will be his final time in the green and gold for 2021.
The 33-year-old said he assumed he would be able to play against the Brave Blossoms on Saturday, but negotiations between his club, Hanazono Kintetsu Liners, and Rugby Australia were still underway
"We've been training all week. So it's a little bit above our pay grade those sort of things. We just jump on the bus when we're told, put on a bib when we're asked to, and go about our business," he said.
"Those conversations will be had behind the scenes. We jump on the buses as players, we do our best to prepare and be ready for every game, and every opportunity that's put in front of us and I know that for me, I'm really enjoying this. But at the same time, I'm looking forward to getting back to my club, whenever that time comes.
"It's been a great week of preparation, preparing each and every one of us for a tough game against Japan and everybody that's involved with it and everyone that is here is excited about the opportunity."
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The negotiations between both parties seem to be ongoing and Cooper could not confirm if Saturday would be his last Australian fixture for the year.
"Right now, I'm not 100 per cent sure. There's conversations still happening behind the scenes between both the Wallabies and Kintetsu," he said.
"It's a new process. Obviously, our clubs are our employers ... so I have nothing but respect for them and they've been very supportive of this opportunity here, first and foremost.
"I've be able come into the setup here at the Wallabies during my holiday. That was a great opportunity in itself to be able to come in and learn and grow throughout that period."