Star Wallabies playmaker Quade Cooper is adamant he won't be rushed into making a decision on his future as he continues to weigh up lucrative offers from both the Parramatta Eels and Australian Rugby Union.
The in-demand 22-year-old touched down in Sydney on Monday afternoon as part of a buoyant Wallabies squad following their thrilling 41-39 victory over South Africa in Bloemfontein on Sunday morning (AEST).
Cooper, who was solid if not spectacular in both Tests against the Springboks, was at the centre of a media frenzy before flying out to South Africa last month after it was revealed the Eels have offered him $1.5million over three seasons to defect to the NRL.
The ARU subsequently bumped up its offer to the talented flyhalf and remains confident the New Zealand born prodigy will stay in the 15-man game.
But while Cooper revealed he has edged closer to deciding his future, he insists he's not yet ready to make a final call.
"At the moment my future's still uncertain and I haven't made any decisions as yet, and hopefully we can nut it out sooner rather than later," Cooper said.
"I'm nearly at a decision but at the same time we've got a big game this weekend and I'm not going to let that cloud my focus."
While Cooper confirmed the Eels are the only NRL club that have made him a firm offer, he refused to put a timeframe on his decision.
"I'll hopefully get it done before (the squad leaves for the Spring Tour in six weeks time) but I'm not going to put a timeline on it," he said.
"It's my future and my career and it's my life, so hopefully I'm not going to just rush into any decision."
"The World Cup's a big thing and obviously it's going to be one factor in my decision but there's so many other factors you've got to weigh up as well. There's not just one thing that you weigh up coming into contract negotiations."
But when asked what impact last weekend's victory over the Springboks will have on the young Wallabies side, Cooper didn't sound like a man who is ready to defect.
"It gives us a lot of hope and a lot of confidence," he said.
"Those sorts of games that are won by such a small margin is something that teams, going into a World Cup, really need to knock down."
Having missed the Wallabies' previous two clashes against the Kiwis through suspension, the No.10 admits he's 'excited' at the prospect of finally facing the All Blacks, and says the world's best side will still be a force without injured flyhalf Dan Carter (ankle).
"It's always tough playing the All Blacks and missing a guy like Dan Carter's going to be big for them, but Aaron Cruden's stepping in and I'm sure he'll do a great job," he said.
"He's been in good form (for the Hurricanes) throughout the Super 14 and he's a very talented player."
Meanwhile, Cooper denied any knowledge of alleged girlfriend Stephanie Rice's homophobic slur posted on Twitter following the Wallabies' last-ditch win over the 'Boks.
He was also coy when asked if the pair are officially an item.
"Oh mate it's a big call," he said.