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Matt Giteau isn't sure how much of an influence he's had on Quade Cooper but the Western Force five-eighth is about to get a first-hand look at how much his protege has developed under his tutelage.
Giteau took Cooper under his wing last year during Australia's spring tour and the 20-year-old Reds five-eighth absorbed as much as he could from the man formerly known as 'kid dynamite'.
But friendships will be put aside tonight when the Reds and Force do battle in a must-win clash for both sides at Subiaco Oval.
"Quade was really good, he came in and asked a lot of questions," Giteau said.
"He obviously not only developed on the tour but he's shown this year, he's playing some good football.
"I couldn't pinpoint where I helped him or how I helped him.
"It's just a matter of asking questions.
"Players still do that, I still do that.
"You ask questions of other players, how they do certain things and I suppose that's a way to learn and add to your game.
"There'll be something other players do well or they can do something you want to be able to do so you just ask questions."
Giteau recalled how he pestered several Wallabies greats when he first entered the national set-up.
"Early on I would have asked Stephen (Larkham) a lot and George Gregan as well," Giteau said.
"I had Stirling Mortlock outside of me so I would ask certain things (like) why does Stephen do this, how do you like me to run for you to get a better line.
"If you are asking a lot of questions and you are prepared to learn and listen you develop a lot quicker.
"You develop into a more complete player."
Giteau said he had been impressed with the progress of Cooper, who notched three caps for the Wallabies on their end-of-season tour.
"I just think he's shown a lot more composure this year," Giteau said.
"It helps with Berrick (Barnes) outside of him, they've got a good combination.
"They complement each other well.
"There are times Berrick will go to first receiver and Quade will push out a bit wider so it gives him a chance to use his feet.
"I just think he's got a nice balance to his game at the moment.
"His kicking game has been good and obviously he seems to be taking the right options more consistently, which is a good sign that a player's maturing."
http://www.thewest.com.au/default.as...ntentID=134003
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