WAYNE FACES A LACH-LASH

LACHLAN COOTE was left wondering why Wayne Bennett even picked him at all for last year’s disastrous southern hemisphere tour by Great Britain.

St Helens full back Coote was dropped after the opening defeat to Tonga, with the Saints’ half back Jonny Lomax replacing him.

The then England and GB coach Bennett told Aussie-born Coote that part of the reason was because he was already looking ahead to England’s Test series against Australia and the 2021 World Cup.

Coote (above) said: “It was a little disappointing. There was a question then why he even picked me in the squad.

“He didn’t really explain, but said he liked the style of football I was playing for Saints. I looked at it as a reward anyway.”

Bennett caused uproar during the ill-fated tour – which saw the Lions lose all four Tests – when he admitted he was just using the iconic Lions games as preparation for England’s future.

He was slated for several controversial selections, including taking six half backs and playing Blake Austin on the wing despite flying Leeds star Ash Handley out as emergency cover. The revelation that Coote’s status, in England terms, was counted against him hits another bum note. Bennett is now out of contract and Wigan Warriors chief Ian Lenagan this week claimed that Super League chairmen don’t want to see the 69-year-old Aussie reappointed.

Former Wigan coach Shaun Wane and Castleford boss Daryl Powell are fancied for the job.

Saints open their campaign against beaten Grand Finalists Salford at home on Friday, January 31.