Coote says Hess is ready for Queensland selection

COWBOYS fullback Lachlan Coote is adamant backrower Coen Hess is not too young to be thrust into the Origin hot seat and deserves a maiden Queensland jersey.

Hess has returned to the bench in recent weeks but has still had a huge impact on games, with his two tries in last week’s win over Canterbury extending his tally to eight for the year.

Maroons coach Kevin Walters has made no secret of his desire to blood d some new faces and at least one spot t is up for grabs with Matt Scott ( knee)) out for the season.

The 20- year- old exudes maturity beyond his years and could be handy as an impact forward off the bench to help spark Queensland’s ageing pack.

Thursday night’s clash at Cronulla is the last chance for players to impress, and a strong display by Hess against the premier’s star- laden pack could be enough to convince Walters.

“Obviously, Origin is coming up and he deserves to be there,” Coote ( left) said.

“He’s young but he seems like he’s experienced, the way he carries himself around the field and he’s professional.

“He likes to joke around and he’s still a young kid with a lot to learn, but his leadership in our team has a big impact on what we do.”

Coote eased any concerns he may have injured his ankle when he came off late against the Bulldogs in his return from a calf issue, declaring himself a certain starter against the Sharks.

“It was only cramping from the calf and our physio got a bit scared I think,” Coote said.

“The time I had off was a long period, probably extra for what my calf tear was.”

Coote said he had noticed the Cowboys were lacking intensity watching from the stands when they lost three of their previous four matches.

His direction and communication from the back is an underestimated cog in the Cowboys machine.

“It’s always easier to assess a game in the stands and you’re not going through the emotions the boys are,” Coote said.

“I could see we were lacking energy and it looked like we were going through the motions in those losses.

“I said to myself this week to bring the energy and pep the boys up.

“It looked like our structure was a lot better.

“Morgo had an outstanding game and got us through

“With me and Jake back it probably did help things with Morgo ( Michael Morgan) having some security there and some direction from us.”