Lachlan Coote targeting round one return

Hull KR full-back Lachlan Coote is targeting a return from injury in time for round one of the Super League.

Coote signed for the club from Super League champions St Helens ahead of the 2022 season. He had previously helped them to three Super League titles, and a Challenge Cup.

However, the Scotland international needed shoulder surgery following the conclusion of the 2021 season. He admitted he will miss a large chunk of pre-season.

Addressing the media for the first time, Coote said: “That’s the goal-getting back for round one. I will probably miss the friendlies, but I will be aiming back for round one.

“I feel OK. We still have January to get through. Once I start getting into the mix with team runs, we have that month to make those combinations and get involved.

“I’ve been slowly picking up things here and there. With Tony (Smith), he likes the injured boys to watch. If everything goes smooth, and everything is on track, then I will definitely be back for round one. I want to make sure it is 100-per-cent.”

Coote also admits “kick to the guts”

The 31-year-old also described how it felt like a “kick to the guts” to only be offered a one-year deal to stay with Saints. He then signed a two-year deal with the Robins.

Coote said he felt as though the club were headed in a different direction, which meant making sure they could keep their younger players. With the salary cap, that ultimately meant there was no space for Coote.

He added: “They (Saints) were probably headed in another direction. That’s the game isn’t it? With the salary cap, you have to juggle the team we have had for the past three years, and the young fellas.

“The direction they were heading in was keeping the young fellas, bumping up their deals and making sure they stay for a while. That also means they have to offload some blokes, and that was the case for me.

“It was a bit of a kick to the guts when they said they would only offer me one year. It is what it is, and that’s the game these days.

“It’s too hard to hang onto the team we had for the last three years. It was hard to leave, but since my last commitment to Saints, I have looked forward to coming here.

“We’re settled over here, got the kids in school, and we are really looking forward to being here.”

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