Lachlan Coote is considering a pay cut to stay at the Cowboys
LACHLAN Coote is considering taking a pay cut to stay at the Cowboys as Sydney clubs raid North Queensland.
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LACHLAN Coote is considering taking a pay cut to stay at the Cowboys as Sydney clubs raid North Queensland.
Coote told The Courier-Mail he would have to sacrifice to stay in Townsville but that is where he wants to be.
It is understood that sacrifice would be more than $100,000 a season.
Coote has been the Cowboys’ best player this year and his 74th-minute field goal against Penrith on Saturday night won them two crucial competition points.
He said he hoped to make a decision this month.
Johnathan Thurston and Jason Taumalolo are among several Cowboys who have ignored big money to stay in Townsville to chase premierships.
“I’d probably have to take a cut,” Coote said.
“I’ll weigh it up with the family, see what it all is and weigh up whether I come down to Sydney or stay.
“They (Cowboys) know my position and where I am at and what I want to do, and that is stay at the club.
“It is business though, it is not personal but this is what happens these days.”
The Roosters are interested in Coote and are also after Eels playmaker Corey Norman, while the Panthers are serious contenders for Cowboys prop James Tamou, with a marquee front-rower the club’s major recruitment goal.
The Cowboys can’t keep all of their players, with improving forwards such as Ethan Lowe due for a rise.
They are facing a similar predicament the Roosters faced last season when three marquee players were forced out due to cap pressure.
Coote could miss one week with minor rib damage he suffered against Penrith.
His best form has coincided with being off-contract but the 85kg weapon was adamant it was only a coincidence.
“I doesn’t really affect me,” Coote said.
“I obviously know I want to sign somewhere but me playing this way is not because I am searching for a contract.
“It is because I have had a full year under my belt and been able to play consistent football and I have been able to get my confidence back and play with this team. ”
Coote said his ribs were sore but he did not think there was a break.
“I will speak to the doc but I think it is only rib cartilage,” he said.
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