Wallabies star Quade Cooper has moved a step closer to becoming a citizen as he sits the test in Tokyo today.
New Zealand-born Cooper revealed the development on social media, thanking his supporters for pushing the issue.
Cooper, who has played 75 Tests for Australia, had previously had his citizenship applications knocked back before the government changed eligibility rules this year.
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https://twitter.com/QuadeCooper/status/1466370950832672778
Cooper was born in Auckland and moved to Australia as a 13-year-old.
Now 33, the five-eighth made a remarkable comeback to the Test arena this year and piloted the Wallabies to five straight wins.
“Exceptional people must not be prevented from becoming Australians because of the unique demands of the very work they do that makes them exceptional,” immigration minister Alex Hawke said in September in announcing the changes.
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Deputy Labor Senate leader Kristina Keneally was one of the leading voices in applying pressure on the government.
“What an extraordinary performance,” Keneally told the Sydney Morning Herald.
“At the last moment of the game, with everything on the line and with the toughest kick, he took on the responsibility and got the job done for his country and for his mates.
“There is no more Australian value than standing up and looking after your mates. Quade Cooper’s passport needs to match his jersey. He’s an Australian hero and he should be an Australian citizen.”
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