MIKE Cooper would love to finish his career with Warrington Wolves and feels his mission is not yet complete.

He is about to enter a 12th season with his hometown club – one which is also his Testimonial year in honour of his service so far.

The campaign starts with his benefit game against 2019 Grand Finalists Salford Red Devils at The Halliwell Jones Stadium tonight, Thursday, kick-off 7.45pm.

But with his current contract, which brought him back from three years in the Australian NRL competition, running out in November, it is a big year all-round for the former Latchford Albion junior in a Wire side looking to get among the honours again.

READ: What Mike Cooper's teammates are saying about him

"I’d obviously love to carry on playing for the club but I have to do what is right for me and my family," said Cooper, who has made 219 appearances for The Wire since his debut as a 16-year-old in 2006.

“I’m certainly not afraid of travelling, having been over to Australia before.

“The aim is to stay. I want to stay, I think the club want me to stay so far, but we’ll see how the season goes.”

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Cooper, a Challenge Cup winner in 2009 and 2019 as well as a three-times Grand Final runner-up, has his sights on more glory in forthcoming seasons.

"I’m only 31 and I believe I’ve got another two or three years at the top level before I retire," he said, contemplating the future.

READ: Team news for Mike Cooper's Testimonial game

“I thought I had a good season last year, I think the year before was slightly better, and I’m looking for a big year this year.

"I still think there’s plenty of trophies left for me and the club. I want to win the Grand Final.

“I’d like to retire on my terms when the time comes, as opposed to rugby retiring me."

For a Warrington man to have worn primrose and blue since he was 11 years old it is an impressive achievement in itself.

"Sometimes I don’t really think about the age groups, but I literally have played for Warrington at every age group since the under 11s town team," he said.

"To do that, and to go away and do what I did in the NRL and play for my country and come back, it’s been a good journey so far.

READ: Cooper's hard as nails and born in Warrington

“I’m super proud to play 10 years at the club and to be awarded the Testimonial is great for me and for the family.

"We’re looking forward to the game and then a couple of events that we’ve got lined up during the year."

New memories are set to unfold to sit alongside the many he already has.

“Certainly my debut against Castleford was a highlight for me," he said.

Warrington Guardian:

"We got beat about 54-14 or something like that but I scored on a milestone day.

“The Challenge Cup appearance in 2009, the Grand Final appearances although we got beat, the Challenge Cup again this year, and winning the League Leaders’ Shield in 2011 have all been memorable.

“But more than that really it’s the memories of the players and staff members I’ve met. I’ve made some friends for life and had so many fun times.

“Every day is a laugh. We’re constantly laughing, poking fun at each other.

"I don’t know what it’s going to be like when I retire eventually.

“I left Priestley College after two months and got asked to go full-time because we were short on players. I made my debut at 16 and I haven’t looked back really.”