Coote raring to go for the Robins

He’s got a track record of success and Lachlan Coote is hoping to bring some of that to Hull KR following his off season move from St Helens.

Coote links up with the Robins following three Betfred Super League seasons at St Helens which saw him lift the Super League trophy a hat-trick of times, named in the 2019 Super League Dream and a Man of Steel runner-up also in 2019.

The fullback’s time at Saints came to an end when the club only tabled a one-year deal for 2022, something which Coote admits he found disappointing. 

“I think they were heading in another direction and with the salary cap and with the team we’ve had there for the last three years you need to keep hold of your young fellas.

“Unfortunately, that means you need to let go of some players and that was the case for me but I’ve come to club that really wants me to be here and is heading in the right direction.??

"I think the club itself is heading in the right direction and I'm really excited to get across there."

Lachlan Coote spoke exclusively to KRTV after signing for 2022 onwards... ??
— Hull KR (@hullkrofficial) July 7, 2021

On choosing to join the Robins on a two-year deal, Coote acknowledged that a conversation with Tony Smith played a big part in his decision.

“He’s [Tony Smith] really good. The way he goes about his business and his man management is spot on. He talks to everyone in the group, gets the young players involved in everything.

“A big one for me is when you can have a conversation with coach and talk about things outside of rugby and I got that from Tony. You can genuinely see that he cares about you as a person."

Following his Grand Final win and a relocation with the family to the East coast, Coote joined up with his new teammates for pre-season training as he continues rehab on his shoulder following off-season surgery and hopes to be lining up in Round 1.

“I’m at a good stage, I’m doing light skills with the team. I won’t be able to do any full contact on it until mid-January and then progress from there.

“I’ll miss the friendlies but getting back for Round 1 is the goal.??

Looking ahead to the 2022 season, Coote expects the Robins to build on the successes of this season. A run which saw them reach they Play-off semi-finals and fall just one game short of reaching a first Grand Final.

On his aspirations for the upcoming season, Coote said: “Hopefully we can bring some silverware.

“There is always talk of the top four teams who make the finals each year and KR don’t really get spoken about but I think what I bring to the team, the professionalism and experience can help get them to where they should be really.

“Last year they showed what they can do and were only one game away from the Grand Final.

“I’ve noticed they’ve got a great playbook already but the main thing for me is making sure our defence is solid and we aren’t leaking points. I see that as my role, a defensive fullback.??

Hull KR kick off their 2022 Betfred Super League campaign in front of the Sky sports cameras as they take on Wigan Warriors at Hull College Craven Park on Friday 11 February (8pm KO).