Career
In 1987 Cooper joined the Saint Helens in England, transferring from Auckland"s Mangere East club He quickly became the captain of the side. On 17 February 1988 Cooper scored six tries for Street Helens in a match against Hull.
At the end of the 1994-1995 Rugby Football League season Cooper moved to the Widnes Vikings, playing three more seasons for them before retiring.
County Cup final appearances
Shane Cooper played loose forward/lock in Saint Helens"s 24-14 victory over Rochdale Hornets in the 1991 Lancashire Cup final during the 1991-1992 season at Wilderspool Stadium, Warrington, on Sunday 20 October 1991, and played loose forward/lock in the 4-5 defeat by Wigan in the 1992 Lancashire Cup final during the 1992-1993 season at Knowsley Road, Saint Helens, on Sunday 18 October 1992. John Player Special Trophy final appearances
Shane Cooper played stand-off/five-eighth in Saint Helens" 15-14 victory over Leeds in the 1987-1988 John Player Special Trophy final during the 1987-1988 season at Central Park, Wigan on Saturday 9 January 1988.
Cooper made his debut for the New Zealand Kiwis in 1985 and went on to play in twelve test matches, including the 1988 World Cup final loss to Australia at Eden Park. In this match Cooper started on the bench, a move later described as a mistake.
Cooper was also an Auckland representative and toured England with the Auckland side in 1987.