Brian Cooper (rugby league)


Brian/Bryan Cooper is an English former professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s. He played at club level for Hull F.C., usually as a right-, i.e. number 3. He was one-club man who represented his home town club throughout the 1950s.

Background

Cooper was born in Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, England, and he worked as a joiner.

Playing career

Championship Final appearances

Cooper played right-, i.e. number 3, in Hull FC's 10-9 victory over Halifax in the Championship Final during the 1955–56 season at Maine Road, Manchester on Saturday 12 May 1956, in front of a crowd of 36,675, he did not play in the 14-15 defeat by Oldham in the Championship Final during the 1956–57 season at Odsal Stadium, Bradford on Saturday 16 May 1957, in front of a crowd of 62,233, and he played right-, i.e. number 3, and scored a try in the 20-3 victory over Workington Town in Championship Final during the 1957–58 season at Odsal Stadium, Bradford on Saturday 17 May 1958, in front of a crowd of 57,699.

Challenge Cup Final appearances

Cooper played right-, i.e. number 3, in Hull FC's 13-30 defeat by Wigan in the 1958–59 Challenge Cup Final during the 1958–59 season at Wembley Stadium, London, in front of a crowd of 79,811.

Yorkshire Cup Final appearances

Cooper did not play for Hull F.C. in the 10-10 draw with Halifax in the 1955–56 Yorkshire County Cup Final during the 1955–56 season at Headingley Rugby Stadium, Leeds on Saturday 22 October 1955, in front of a crowd of 23,520, and the 0-7 defeat by Halifax in the 1955–56 Yorkshire County Cup Final during the 1955–56 season at Odsal Stadium, Bradford on Wednesday 2 November 1955, in front of a crowd of 14,000.