‘A very tough decision’ – Lachlan Coote to retire at the end of the season

Hull KR full-back Lachlan Coote has announced that he will bring down the curtain on his stellar playing career at the end of the season.

The 33-year-old, a three-time Super League Grand Final winner and one-time NRL Premiership winner, has made more than 250 career in the NRL and Super League as well as winning international honours with Great Britain and Scotland.

Coote said: “I’m happy to announce that I will be retiring at the end of the 2023 season, it has been a very tough decision to make but I know it’s the right one for me and my family.

“Over the past 15 years, I have met so many great people and I’ve learnt so many valuable lessons within the sport.

“I’ll always be grateful for what rugby league has given me, thank you to everyone that has been a part of my career.

“There will be plenty of time to reflect on my career at the end of the season. There’s still a long way to go this season, I’ll be looking to make the most of every moment and finish this year with a trophy. Up the Robins.”

Hull KR boss pays tribute to ‘proven winner’ Lachlan Coote

Coote made 166 appearances in the NRL for Penrith Panthers and North Queensland Cowboys between 2008-18.

The Australia-born full-back won the NRL Grand Final with the Cowboys in 2015, followed by the World Club Challenge in 2016.

Coote made his international debut for Scotland in 2016, qualifying for the Bravehearts through his grandmother.

He made the switch to Super League with St Helens in 2019, helping the Saints win three consecutive Super League Grand Finals and a Challenge Cup. In late 2019, he was called up to the Great Britain squad for their tour of the southern hemisphere.

Coote made the move across the Pennines to Hull KR ahead of the 2022 season, making 26 appearances for the club to date, scoring 157 points.

Robins coach Willie Peters said: “Lachlan is a proven winner and a quality person.

“He has won competitions in both the Super League and NRL and has been a standout performer in both competitions.

“His professionalism and leadership qualities are right up there with the best. I have no doubt whatever Lachlan decides to do post-rugby, it will be a success. We have unfinished business and plenty to look forward to before Lachlan hangs up his boots at the end of the season.

“On behalf of the club I would like to wish Lachlan, Laura, Bailey and Mia all the very best for when they return to Australia.”

‘One of the best overseas recruits Super League has seen’

Unfortunately, Coote will miss the next month of action due to a hamstring tear sustained in the win over Huddersfield last Friday.

Coote will play out the rest of the season with the Robins, his 16th campaign as a professional rugby league player.

Hull KR chief executive Paul Lakin said: “Lachlan (Coote) is rightly regarded as one of the best overseas recruits Super League has seen.

“As a serial winner, Lachlan has made such a positive impact at Hull KR as a player, leader and person. There is no doubts Lachlan wants to finish his career on a high.”

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