Fullback recalled to boost Cowboys

FULLBACK Lachlan Coote will attempt to make a triumphant return for the Cowboys this week, recalled for the must-win match against the Bulldogs.

North Queensland coach Paul Green has reshuffled his backline after the Cowboys’ fourth-straight loss in their clash against the Warriors in New Zealand last Saturday.

Coote, who has been sidelined with a hamstring injury, will come back into the 17 at fullback for Saturday’s home clash with the Bulldogs, while Ben Hampton will move to the centres at the expense of Javid Bowen.

After Coote’s two weeks in the Intrust Super Cup playing for the Mackay Cutters, Green said it was the right time to bring him back to first grade in the hope that his experience would boost the team.

“Like all players would be, he was a little bit disappointed to be playing QCup but it was done (to build confidence) and hopefully we’ve ticked that box,” Green said of Coote’s return.

“He has (been keen to play) right from the start. I’m sure mentally he’s feeling confidence in that hamstring and it won’t be an issue.

“His positional play will be handy for us and probably just his talk will help overall. He’s pretty experienced, so hopefully that will help.”

Hampton did a fine job in Coote’s place over the past five weeks, but Green also thought Coote could help struggling halves Johnathan Thurston and Michael Morgan, given how long the trio have played together at the club.

Thanks to his form, Hampton has retained a place in the starting side, with Bowen dropped out of the 17.

Hampton has played just four games at centre in the NRL – all with Melbourne in 2016 – but has 67 first-grade appearances under his belt.

“He’s more experienced and that’s important for us at the moment,” Green said.

“We’re trying to build some confidence in our game and having the more experienced players out there will help with that ... I have full confidence he’ll do the job.”