The former Wallabies star is set to be named in an Australian squad to tour the United States in June as part of a sensational switch to gridiron’s version of touch football, which will debut at the LA Games in three years. And he’s already got a wishlist including NRL stars Reece Walsh and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, as well as cross-code convert Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii to join him in the Aussie team. Cooper, 37, is finishing his time at Japanese club Kintetsu Liners in either May or June depending on if they make finals, and while he has not made a definitive decision on his rugby and boxing careers, he is already eyeing flag football to build on his sporting legacy. “To be part of something that could potentially change the landscape for a lot of people in our country, all around the world, give them an avenue to play in a sport at the Olympics, is pretty special,” Cooper told Code Sports. “And to be able to pave a way for a new sport that I could see take over a lot of space, and for a lot of people who love and want to participate in rugby or league or AFL, that’s very similar a lot of skills and attributes of the game that I love so much, would be cool. “But to be able to do that and not have the head knocks, the broken bones and the collisions – I look at it from all aspects like that, and this is pretty exciting to be part of. “If I can be one of the pioneers in that, great. But also it’s just something that I’ve always just loved. I love NFL, everybody knows. “I’d go down in off seasons and join in some of the local NFL, gridiron games in Brisbane. I used to do that during Covid.” Cooper’s brilliant passing skills and highlight trick plays that have gone viral on social media would make him an ideal quarterback. The NFL has already said they want the game’s superstars to be available for their Olympic team, which means a Dream Team with the likes of Patrick Mahomes, Saquon Barkley and Justin Jefferson could be competing for a gold medal. But Cooper is hopeful Australia can combine its own football talent to send a team capable of winning a medal. “You look at the guys like Reece Walsh, like the Hammer, the way they move, the way they’re able to accelerate, how dynamic they are, how smooth and skilful they are,” Cooper said. “These are guys who play on both sides of the ball, able to transition into a game like this, it’s like you’re attacking, but then you also have to defend. “It’s not a contact game, but just the awareness to be able to know how someone moves, be able to defend them. “I think those sort of guys are perfect for flag football. “Then you’ve got Suaalii, having someone like him on each side because he’s got speed and he’s six foot five (196cm), he’s a giant, and now he’s toying with some of the best rugby players in the world.” American football Australia chief executive, Wade Kelly, “Quade’s an exceptional talent and one of a number of elite male and female athletes that have made it very clear that chasing flag football gold in LA28 is something that is extremely exciting for them,” Kelly said. “The growth of the game around the globe is truly phenomenal. We are just very happy to be part of it. “It’s getting increasingly competitive to be part of the AFA men’s and women’s flag football high performance program which is inevitable and a great thing for the program. “The next step will be announcing our men’s and women’s squads next week that will headed to LA in June, for an invitational tournament, hosted by USA Football. “It’s just another fantastic opportunity for our players to put their best foot forward and show their talent on the global stage as they chase their Olympic dream.” If Cooper were to make the Olympics, it would be a remarkable comeback journey after he missed out on the Rio Games nine years ago for not holding Australian citizenship. Cooper was part of the Australian rugby sevens squad due to compete in 2016 but was prevented from qualifying because he’d retained his New Zealand citizenship despite moving to this country in 2001. “I’ve finally got my citizenship, so then there’s no real hurdle apart from just ability, being able to lock in, do the work and get amongst it,” Cooper said. “I have an open mind to learning a new skill, but also taking things that I’m already good at, things that I’ve made my name in, in a different sport, and take them over and try to find creative ways to be successful at this.” Flag football is usually played five against five, between two squads of 10 (attacking team and defensive team). Like Oztag, players wear flags around their waist that defenders must pull off to stop them in attack. Originally published as Former Wallaby Quade Cooper switching to flag football for shot at LA Olympics