No Barba – but bold as a Coote
LACHLAN COOTE has told St Helens fans not to expect a Ben Barba clone this season but not to worry – because he will still deliver.
He says he does not feel any pressure stepping into star man Barba’s boots.
Australian-born Coote has been signed as a replacement for Barba, whose sparkling performances last season earned him the Steve Prescott Man of Steel award.
The incoming Scotland international says he will bring alternative strengths to the crucial full-back role.
Coote, 28, said: “We’re different players. My style of play is a little bit different and hopefully I’ll bring a bit of experience and a kicking game.
“Benny’s a real exciting player with a bit of speed about him. Hopefully my style of play fits in with the team – it’s been going well so far in training and I hope the fans enjoy it.
“It’s about getting that combination with your halves and we’ve been working on that for a couple of months.
“The boys have been happy with the way we’ve been running things and once we get a couple of games under our belt it will all come together.”
Barba was the centre of media speculation throughout 2018 around his return to Australia, where he has effectively swapped places with Coote at North Queensland Cowboys.
But Coote is ready to make his own name in Super League as Justin Holbrook’s side look to overcome the disappointment of losing two semi-finals last year.
“I don’t think there’s any extra pressure on me,” said Coote. “Benny’s obviously done well over here, was well liked by the fans and the Super League itself.
“He’s a quality player who’s done it all over in Australia and come here and got Man of Steel.
“I’ve met him a couple of times. He’s a good fellow and the boys tell me he was well liked in the camp here.
“I wish him all the best in Oz, he’s going to a quality team. But for me it’s about getting to that Grand Final here.”
There is no extra pressure on me