The highest-profile exile in the history of Australian rugby came to an end on Friday morning when Cooper was among 40 players named by Ewen McKenzie in his first squad as national coach.

It ended the stand-off that began when Cooper labelled the Wallaby environment under Robbie Deans "toxic", before Deans opted to go with James O'Connor at 10 in the three-Test series against the touring Lions.

With the Lions rampant in the series decider and Deans gone, Cooper has returned to be coached by the man who has overseen his development at the Queensland Reds over the past four seasons.

There is the perception McKenzie could give Cooper a rails run back to the starting side ahead of Matt Toomua and Bernard Foley, who have both been added to the squad, but Cooper insists he will have to prove his worth like everyone else.

He also said he wanted to take a leadership role in the new group and help unify the national side after a period of instability and disciplinary issues toward the end of Deans' tenure.

"You have to do what's required for the team. From my point of view, I just want to contribute whatever is asked of me as a player and as a teammate," Cooper said.

"I also want to lead by example, on and off the field. I want to be a player guys can look up to and also I want to set a high bar for myself.

"I've been named in the squad and just continue to work hard. Hopefully that can see me secure a spot in the team. Whether I'm involved in the line-up to face the All Blacks or not, I just want be a good contributor for the team."

Cooper has knuckled down in his absence from the national side and returns a more mature character than the frustrated campaigner that hit the headlines with his outburst late last year.

He feels vastly more at ease under McKenzie, who has publicly backed him throughout his issues with the ARU, and said other players would also enjoy that ongoing support in the new Wallaby regime.

"He's supported me at the Reds. He's been my coach and it's been great to have the support and backing of the coach. Now he's the coach of the Wallabies, he'll be offering the same support to a lot of people," Cooper said.

"It's great for all of the players who haven't had the opportunity to be coached by him, to learn all the things I've been fortunate enough to learn over the past four years."

Cooper will be the shortpriced favourite to join Will Genia in the halves against the All Blacks to start The Rugby Championship but is taking nothing for granted, saying he held Toomua and Foley in the highest regard and competition for spots would only enhance the overall squad.

"Competition is great. It's great for morale and selection, knowing there are guys willing to push each other for spots. Competition right across the board is something that will help the Wallabies as a team," Cooper said.

"Personally, Foley and Matty are both great players. They've both had good seasons and done a great job for their teams. I haven't had too much to do with them as teammates but I'm really looking forward to learning from them, and likewise give them a hand if possible."

With new faces in and around Camp Wallaby, Cooper said there was a welcome buzz surrounding the initial group as McKenzie ushers in new players and and the promise of more communication and fresh opportunities.

"You can already feel that buzz. There's a nice feeling around the team. It's a good bunch of guys," Cooper said.

"If we can all come together and have the same target in mind, which is working hard and having a good attitude and having an open mind to new things, we can really make a big contribution."