Willie Peters has revealed that star full-back Lachlan Coote will return to the fray for his side’s game against the unbeaten Warrington Wolves on Friday night.
Coote shone during the week one victory over Wigan but was absent for the games against Salford and Leigh, the latter of which Rovers lost.
In his absence Will Dagger performed well but Coote brings an X factor that few full-backs in the league can bring, and for a side like Rovers he can be the heartbeat at times.
Peters has revealed in his press conference today that Coote is scheduled to return, something that will massively boost Rovers given the loss of star playmaker Jordan Abdull, powerhouse Kane Linnett and the possible suspension of captain Shaun Kenny Dowall.
“He’ll come back this week, he’s over his injury now which is good,” Peters revealed.
“No doubt we’re a better team, when I say better it’s a more experienced team. Our attack flows when Cootey plays so we’re looking forward to him coming back.”
Given the reports that Man of Steel front-runner Jordan Abdull, whose kicking game has been exceptional, is set to miss out against Warrington it’s hugely important that Coote returns.
He’ll bring a spark of creativity that can potentially make up for the lack of Abdull when Rovers play a very solid Warrington side who have been impressive in their three games so far.
The Wolves have won all three games and conceded just 46 points during that time, just over 15 points per game, meaning that Rovers will have to rely on Coote and Mikey Lewis to create.
With Coote returning Will Dagger could shift into the halves to partner Lewis.
Not phased by the injuries, Peters said: “It gives opportunity. We went to Salford a couple of weeks ago and we were missing four players and put in a really good performance and took the win home.
“This week we’re back at home. We weren’t happy with our performance last week. It doesn’t matter who wears that jersey, you have to compete hard and have the right attitude whoever plays.”
“Sam Wood will naturally come in. He did the job against Salford and did really well. Louis Senior will come into the reckoning and contention as well.”
In terms of replacing Abdull, Peters said: “We have Will Dagger and Rowan Milnes. They’re in the picture. Dagger has done a good job at fullback and Rowan is ready to step up too.”
