RUGBY LEAGUE
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After feeling the full brunt of his side's newfound weight on the training paddock, prop Mike Cooper is confident the Dragons will be a much more formidable proposition for opposing packs in 2015.
Cooper enjoyed an extended break following his involvement in England's Four Nations campaign and noticed a marked increase in physicality in contact drills when he returned to training with the Dragons four weeks ago.
"Me and the other boys who played the internationals came in a little bit earlier than we were meant to, to make sure we were up to speed," Cooper said.
"We came and watched the boys train and they were flying, so we thought we best get in and do some work. It took about a week, 10 days, to get up to speed and we all seem to be on the same level now. It's funny how quick it comes around, we're only a couple of weeks off playing and we're really looking forward to the season."
The Dragons' lack of size on the scales was well documented throughout 2014 as they struggled against the competition's bigger packs. After spending the bulk of his English Super League career at lock, Cooper was regularly called upon to play above his weight alongside fellow front-row converts Jack de Belin and Tyson Frizell.
It means Cooper has welcomed the arrival of George Rose and the yet-to-debut pair of Rory O'Brien and Rulon Nutira in Wollongong, even though it has left him nursing a few more bruises after training.
"The contact's increased, I know that," Cooper said.
"The defensive drills and the contact's definitely increased and the wrestling's much harder, but it's good for us. Most of the blokes here now are over 110 kilos and it's a good challenge for us every single day, and we needed that.
"It was well documented last year with people saying we needed some size in the team, and that's what's happened."
On a personal front, Cooper is confident he's now more accustomed to life in the NRL and is ready to improve on his solid debut year with the Dragons.
"I haven't reflected on [2014] too much because I'm only halfway through [his contract]," he said.
"I've still got this year to go. I just tried to give it my all in my first year, and I'll try to improve on it this year. I'm a lot more confident coming into this season.
"I know what to expect a bit more, and I know my game will improve this year on last year."