LEWIS & ROSSI PLANNING TO SWAP WHEELS
Aussie-born Saints star paid his way to play for the Lions MOTOR SPORT
LACHLAN COOTE insists he is no ‘plastic Brit’.
The Australian-born St Helens full-back qualifies for Great Britain through his gran, who was born in Glasgow.
But even though he is from New South Wales, Coote, 29. claims he has paid his dues and more than earned the right to play for the Lions.
Coote won three caps for the Bravehearts in the 2016 Four Nations and said: “We got a bit of an allowance but nothing really. I took money out of my own pocket to play for them but it was awesome to be part of.
“I know it’s pretty crazy being an Aussie in a Great Britain shirt and I’ve had a bit of stick.
“But I’m going to do my best, as much as anyone else. I’m just happy to be given the opportunity to be part of something so iconic.”
Coote is hoping to make his Lions debut against Tonga in Hamilton, New Zealand, on Saturday to complete a remarkable turnaround in his fortunes.
Last year, he feared he might have to give up professional rugby and find another job after North Queensland Cowboys let him go.
He said: “I didn’t have many options and thought I might have to play amateur rugby.”
St Helens stepped in with an offer and Coote said: “I wanted to prove to myself and others I could get back to my best and I’ve definitely done that.”
Coote was one of the key reasons Saints won the league Leaders Shield before going on to win the Grand Final.
Now he wants to cap a fairy -tale year by featuring against
Tonga, followed by two matches against New Zealand and one in Papua New Guinea.
Great Britain trained for the first time in Auckland, with Tom Burgess claiming the iconic shirt is working its magic. He said: “The intensity in the training session was through the roof. You get that extra 10 per cent when you put the Lions shirt on.”
■
LEWIS HAMILTON and Valentino Rossi are in talks to swap roles for the day as the F1 and MotoGP legends consider a post-season sport switch.
According to Crash.net, the initial plan is to try and get Rossi in Hamilton’s Mercedes, while allowing the Brit to test out his skills with a Yamaha bike.
Hamilton (above) has been on a motorcycle before, admitting he had “always loved two wheels more than four”.
Rossi confirmed the plans while watching the Japanese GP last weekend.
“Yes, we are trying to arrange this swap with Hamilton... it would be fantastic,” he said.
“They are trying to organise a day when Lewis tries my M1 and I try his Mercedes. It would be cool.”