Lachlan Coote outlines why he is leaving Saints

Lachlan Coote will be leaving St Helens for Hull KR in 2022, which came as a surprise for many.

After winning two Grand Finals in a row, Coote has become an integral part of the Saints side, but will leave for Craven Park having said that salary cap limits are to blame.

“What we’ve achieved as a team together since I’ve been at the club has been unreal,” Coote said.

“The fans understand sport these days and how everything can come into play with the salary cap and with young guys coming through.

“The club really showed me some great respect there and I’m going to return the favour – the season hasn’t finished yet and I’m here to win another premiership.”

Coote will go into this derby, knowing all about how the intensity and atmosphere of a Wigan-Saints crunch clash.

“I think obviously it’s a big occasion and Wigan and Saints is probably the best derby I’ve been a part of.

“We get some great atmospheres in the stadiums, especially towards the back end of 2019 which was special.

“Footy wise, in terms of prep, it’s all the same for a derby, but in terms of the calendar these are the games you look forward to.”