‘ He’s the ultimate competitor’
COWBOYS fullback Lachlan Coote insists there are no hard feelings toward Storm opposite number Billy Slater after calling him “a bit of a pest” after Melbourne’s win in Townsville in round 22.
Slater ( pictured), who will play his 299th NRL game in Sunday’s grand final, was sensational in Melbourne’s 26- 8 win, racking up three try assists and two line break assists.
Coote and Slater were involved in some push and shove late in the match, and the 27year- old expects a similar duel on the biggest stage of all.
“Obviously, the last game, it is what it is,” Coote said.
“He’s the ultimate competitor and I love the way he plays.
“That’s just how he plays his game and there’s no hard feel- ings at the end of the game, but I’m expecting nothing less this week.
“H e ’ s going to be doing what he can for this team and I’ll be doing the same.
“You can’t take it personally, it’s part of the game and you have to move on and do your job.”
Coote’s ball playing skills will be vital in taking the pressure off in- form Cowboys halfback Michael Morgan.
But he conceded it was still sinking in that they were in a grand final at all.
Coote was cooking a few snags on Magnetic Island as his team’s season rested on the shoulders of the Bulldogs in the final round.
With North Queensland needing Canterbury to upset the Dragons to sneak into eighth spot, Coote was lapping up Father’s Day and in miniholiday mode.
It wasn’t until later he heard the good news and began packing his training bag.
“I was hoping the Doggies would get the win but we can only thank them for where we are now,” Coote said.
“On the ferry I started watching the first half, and then I had to get off it to get back to the mainland.
“It’s a surreal feeling waking up this morning ( Monday) and forgetting about what happened, then knowing you’ve got a grand final at the end of the week.
“It is an amazing feeling and it can only bring a smile to your face.”
Coote has been nursing an injured ankle in recent weeks, but says he is back to near full fitness.
“Each week it’s getting better and this week it’s getting better again,” he said. “I’m feeling good and it will be sweet.”