Coote a Panther until 2014

Rookie Penrith fullback Lachlan Coote has put to bed rumours about his future by signing a new four year deal with the club.

Coote, who is currently sidelined with a pelvic injury, will remain with the Panthers until the end of the 2014 season.

Speculation about Coote joining another club surfaced when negotiations between the pair continued to drag on.

But Coote, who is a product of local team Windsor Wolves, says he is delighted to be remaining with the club.

He said: “I’m stoked to have been able to wrap up my long term future,” Coote said.

“I’m a local junior and that’s a big factor in why I’ve stayed, the Panthers have been a big part of my footy career growing up and I wanted to stay as long as I can.”

Coote has made 36 appearances for the Panthers after being named in the Toyota Cup Team of the Year in 2008.

Penrith CEO Mick Leary said the club is pleased to retain Coote’s services.

He added: “Lachlan is an outstanding player from our Junior League; it’s particularly pleasing to produce and retain the calibre of talent that Coote offers,” Leary said.

“I’m sure Lachlan is disappointed to be injured but we are hopeful he will rejoin the team shortly.”