Coote swaps Penrith for North Queensland

Penrith full-back Lachlan Coote been granted an early release from the final year of his contract and will join North Queensland on a three-year deal from next season.

Coote, 23, will replace departing Cowboys stalwart Matt Bowen in the number one jumper for 2014, and he is looking forward to the challenge.

He said, “I’m really grateful for the opportunities Penrith has given me.

“It’s been a great club to be a part of. I have made some great mates and the support from fans has been amazing.

“I’m looking forward to my next challenge with the Cowboys and I’m excited to see what they have planned for me.”

Coote, who has managed just five appearances for the Panthers this season due to injury, has scored 43 tries in 82 NRL appearances since making his debut as an 18-year-old in 2008.

Cowboys football manager Peter Parr had this to say: “We’re very happy to have been able to sign Lachlan to a contract with North Queensland.

“We’re sure our members and fans will really enjoy the exciting brand of footy he plays and I know our players will enjoy having him as a team-mate.

“We saw not long ago in the game at Penrith that he already has their respect for the way he has fought back from injury this year.”