Matt Cooper calls time after 14 seasons Veteran St George Illawarra centre Matt Cooper in action earlier this season Source: The Daily Telegraph VETERAN centre Matt Cooper has announced his retirement from the NRL after 243 games for St George Illawarra. Cooper, 34, was last month ruled out for the remainder of the season with a torn pectoral muscle, suffered in round 19's golden-point win over South Sydney. It followed a lengthy stint on the sidelines with a foot injury. The Shellharbour product and 2010 premiership winner was off contract at the end of season. Cooper made his first-grade debut with the Dragons against Cronulla in February 2000. He has also played seven Tests for Australia and 13 State of Origin games for NSW.