Johnathan Thurston says Lachlan Coote would be a ‘massive loss’ if he left the Cowboys

JOHNATHAN Thurston says Lachlan Coote would be a “massive loss” if he left the Cowboys and would break up the most stable team he has been a part of.

Cowboy's Lachlan Coote during the round 6 NRL game between the Penrith Panthers and the North Queensland Cowboys at Pepper Stadium,Penrith.Picture Gregg Porteous

JOHNATHAN Thurston says Lachlan Coote would be a “massive loss” if he left the Cowboys and would break up the most stable team he has been a part of.

The Cowboys star said the group the Cowboys currently boasted was “special”.

But he admitted Coote had to make the best decision for himself and said he would not try to convince him to stay loyal.

Thurston sacrificed money to stay in Townsville, as did Jason Taumalolo, Matt Scott and several other players in last year’s premiership team.

The salary cap ensures success in the NRL rarely lasts, as the asking price of players increases when teams make grand finals.

The Cowboys somehow kept their grand final 17 together this year but it will almost impossible to do so next season with 10 first graders off-contract.

Thurston said if Coote left for Sydney, the Cowboys would suffer.

“This is the most settled our club has been since I arrived at the club (in 2005),” Thurston said.

“(But) we understand that this is a business. The boys have families and need to make the right decision for themselves.

Michael Morgan and Lachlan Coote all smiles after beating the Panthers. Picture Gregg Porteous

“Whatever decision the boys make, we fully support them.”

Two years ago, the Panthers made a big play for Thurston while French rugby clubs have also thrown mega dollars at the champion five-eighth. He resisted to take less at Townsville.

That decision will be rewarded when his career finishes, with loyal players often faring better with media and sponsorship offers post career.

“I think I am not the only one in that boat, who rejected big offers elsewhere,” Thurston said.

“I know the position the boys are in and hopefully they want to stay together and sometimes you have to take a hit to chase success ...

“It would be great for him (Coote) to stay. We have all seen this year what he brings to the team.

“He had a great off-season and is reaping the rewards now.”

The Cowboys are not only trying to keep Coote but have to fit in upgrades to James Tamou and Ethan Lowe among others.

Lachlan Coote during a training session.

“His manager came to us with a figure that was a little out of our ballpark at the time, so we said to him make sure you give us last crack,” Green said of Coote after North Queensland’s weekend win over Penrith.

“He’s not a player I want to lose or get rid of by any stretch.”