When Lachlan Coote’s move to Hull KR was confirmed, there were a few raised eyebrows.
Here was a two-time Grand Final winner – soon to be three – in the form of his life exiting a champion side for a club further down the Super League table.
That didn’t make a difference for Coote though, Hull KR was where he felt the most wanted – and that is why he was willing to leave St Helens.
“It was all about going to a place that I was really wanted, that was so big for me,” Coote said.
“Hull KR showed that they were keen on me and, in conversations with Tony Smith, it was settled.
“When a place invests you and shows they really want you to play for their club that will bring the best out of you in rugby league.”
The former North Queensland Cowboys talisman revealed that Saints were simply ‘heading in another direction’ and that it was his time to leave.
“Saints were heading in another direction and that’s the game, with the salary cap.
“The team we’ve had for the past three years, they had to juggle with young players and give them upgraded contracts.
“But that meant that they had to let go some blokes and unfortunately that was the case for me but I’ve come to a club that really wants me.”
Coote couldn’t hide his disappointment that Saints only offered to keep him for one more year.
“At first, I felt a bit disappointed.
“It was difficult to leave Saints, it was a sort of a kick in the guts that they were only going to offer me one year, but it is what it is and that’s the game.
“It’s just too hard to hang onto a team that we had for the last three years and it was hard, but I’ve been really looking forward to coming here.”
