Dave Cooper (rugby league)

Dave Cooper is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1960s and 1970s. He played for the Balmain Tigers, Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks and the North Sydney Bears in the NSWRL Competition. He was an inaugural player for Cronulla and played in the club's first ever game.

Dave Cooper

Personal information
Full name	Dave Cooper
Born	Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Playing information
Position	Second-row, Prop
Club Years Team Pld T G FG P 1962–66 Balmain 40 0 0 0 0 1967–72 Cronulla-Sutherland 56 13 0 0 39 1973 North Sydney 18 2 0 0 6 Total 114 15 0 0 45
Source: [1]

Playing career

Cooper began his first grade career for Balmain in 1962. Cooper played 5 seasons for the club but did not feature in either the 1964 or 1966 grand final losses against St George.

In 1967, Cooper joined newly admitted side Cronulla and played in the club's first ever game, an 11-5 victory over Eastern Suburbs at Sydney Sports Ground. Cronulla went on to finish last in their inaugural season winning only 2 more games. Cooper stayed with Cronulla until the end of 1972, in that time Cronulla continued to struggle in the NSWRL competition and finished last a second time in 1969.

The year after Cooper departed the club, Cronulla went on to make their first ever grand final against Manly. In 1973, Cooper joined North Sydney and played one season for the club before retiring.[2][3][4]

References

1. "Dave Cooper - Career Stats & Summary - Rugby League Project". Rugbyleagueproject.org.
2. "Sharks to be honoured". The Leader. 2 May 2017.
3. "Remembering The Sharks maiden win". National Rugby League. 5 April 2015.
4. "Throwback Thursday – 1967 Sharks". Sharks.com.au. 2 April 2015.