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LACHLAN Coote wants to extend his stay with the Cowboys beyond this season.
Coote is one of 17 North Queensland players off contract at season’s end but indicated yesterday his preference was to stay in Townsville.
The 27- year- old’s season has been delayed after he was ruled out of Friday night’s season opener against the Cronulla Sharks because of a hamstring problem.
The 157- game veteran suffered a slight hamstring strain during pre- season training before aggravating the injury in North Queensland’s final trial match against the Storm in Brisbane.
He was confident he would be fit for the Round 2 clash against the Broncos.
Coote said he was keen to re- sign with the Cowboys and pointed to the long- term deals signed by Jason Taumalolo and Michael Morgan as proof of the club’s exciting future.
“I’d love to be a part of the team for the next few years, especially with Morgo and Jason signing long- term contracts,” Coote said.
“They’re always going to be part of this club and there’s going to be some great things happening here over the next couple of years.
“It would be good to hang around. I obviously won’t last 10 years, but I’d like to be here for a few more.”
Meanwhile, the Brisbane Broncos plan to target former halfback Ben Hunt in their clash against St George Illawarra on Thursday. SIIDELIINED:: Cowboys ffullllback Lachllan Cootte wiillll miiss tthiis Frriiday’’ s season openerr agaiinstt Crronulllla wiitth a hamsttrriing iinjjurry..