Lachlan Coote included in Great Britain squad

Drew Darbyshire 02 Sep 2019 2:03 PM

St Helens full-back Lachlan Coote has been included in a 29-man Great Britain Performance Squad that will meet for the first time next week.

Coote was born and raised in Australia but qualifies to play for Scotland through family heritage. He has earned three caps for the Bravehearts. Coote is one of five fresh faces in the Lions squad.

Wales forward Morgan Knowles has been named, while Ireland international Joe Philbin has also been selected.

Salford back-rower Josh Jones and Leeds winger Ash Handley – who have played for England Knights – are included in the side.

The squad will gather in Leeds on Tuesday next week, and training sessions will then begin during the Super League play-off series in early October.

Great Britain coach Wayne Bennett said: “As we’ve said since the return of the Great Britain team was announced at the start of the year, we have considered everyone who is eligible and puts themselves forward.

“As well as this Performance Squad of players based in England and France, we’ve got another group of players based in the NRL to consider – and there’s still time for others who are eligible to impress and force their way in.”

The final 24-man squad will be announced within 48 hours of the Super League Grand Final on October 12.

Great Britain Elite Performance Squad:

Jake Trueman (Castleford Tigers, West Bowling)

Liam Watts (Castleford Tigers, Featherstone Lions)

Sam Tomkins (Catalans Dragons, Wigan St Patricks)

Jermaine McGillvary (Huddersfield Giants, Deighton Juniors)

Jake Connor (Hull FC, Siddal)

Jamie Shaul (Hull FC, Skirlaugh)

Scott Taylor (Hull FC, Skirlaugh)

Ash Handley (Leeds Rhinos, Oulton Raiders)

Stevie Ward (Leeds Rhinos, Hunslet Warriors)

Jonny Lomax (St Helens, Orrell St James)