Hilfenhaus was the star of last summer, taking a series-high 27 wickets at 17.22 against India to cement his place in the Test team. 

But the 29-year-old struggled to reach those heights in the three-Test series with South Africa, with chairman of selectors John Inverarity and coach Mickey Arthur suggesting that his action needed work.

Against the Proteas Hilfenhaus was bowling with a lower arm action, rather than the more upright version that  delivered the excellent results against India. 

The poor return of just six wickets at 35.50 against Graeme Smith's men has forced the former Ulverstone quick into a battle with left-armers Mitchell Starc and Mitchell Johnson for the two pace spots alongside spearhead Peter Siddle. 

And despite there being less than two weeks between Tests, Cooley backed his fellow Northern Tasmanians Hilfenhaus and bowling coach Ali de Winter to iron out any kinks. 

``I don't think you have to make big tweaks,'' said Cooley, who began his career at Mowbray. 

``Of course some tweaks here and there are always on the cards when you're in that environment. 

``I'm sure Hilfy's been working on that. He'll be keen to get back in. I'm sure he'll be back to his best if selected  ?to get on the field for that Test match.'' 

Much of the blame for Hilfenhaus's deteriorating action has been aimed at Twenty20 cricket _ the form that  dominated the Tasmanian's schedule this year. 

But Cooley believes that criticism is unwarranted, saying modern bowlers understand they need to switch between forms. 

``Sometimes it's a mix of that,'' he said.  ``There might be some niggles here or there and sometimes things just change. 

``I'm not going to put it all down to one form of the game over another. 

``They're professional cricketers now. You've got to change with the environment. 

``I wouldn't place it on just T20 cricket or one-day cricket. 

``In the end I think they'll know what they need to adjust.''