Quade Cooper set to be granted Australian citizenship after match-winning performance for Wallabies
Wallabies playmaker Quade Cooper is set to be given Australian citizenship after his match-winning performance for the Wallabies against the Springboks on the weekend.
Cooper, who was born in New Zealand before moving to Australia at age 13, has had four requests to become an Australian citizen denied, with the latest application rejected in July because he provided "no evidence" that he had "engaged in activities of benefit to Australia."
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However, Cooper's performance against South Africa may have come at the right time according to the Sydney Morning Herald.
Alex Hawke, the Minister for Immigration, is set to announce a slight policy change that will allow individuals such as Cooper to be granted Australian citizenship.
It's understood former Wallaby and Cooper's former Reds teammate Will Genia is also in the same boat.
After a four-year absence from the Test stage, Cooper was recalled to the Wallabies starting team on Sunday night, and he turned in one of his greatest moments on the international stage.
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Quade Cooper of the Wallabies reacts after kicking the winning penalty goal. Getty
Deputy Labor Senate leader Kristina Keneally reignited calls for Cooper to be granted Australian citizenship.
"What an extraordinary performance," Keneally told the 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."
