Lachlan Coote leaves Panthers to sign three-year deal with North Queensland Cowboys

LIFE after Matt Bowen has begun for the Cowboys with the club securing Panthers fullback Lachlan Coote to a three-year deal.

Lachlan Coote

LIFE after Matt Bowen has begun for the Cowboys with the club securing Panthers fullback Lachlan Coote to a three-year deal.

Just days after Bowen announced his NRL retirement at season's end, North Queensland have found his successor in Coote, who is tied to the Cowboys until the end of 2016.

As revealed by News Corp last week, the Cowboys had Coote on their radar for some time and ramped-up discussions when fullback magician Bowen made a definitive call on his future.

The signing of Coote is a coup for the Cowboys, with the 23-year-old rated among the code's most exciting backline talents when he burst onto the scene for Penrith in 2008.

The Windsor Wolves junior has battled injury in recent times but has representative pedigree, first playing for City Origin in 2010 before turning out for the Prime Minister's XIII last year.

Coote was contracted to Penrith for another season but the Panthers agreed to an early release, ensuring he will assume Bowen's No.1 jumper in Townsville next year.

"I’m really grateful for the opportunities Penrith has given me," Coote said.

"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."

Penrith general manager of football Phil Moss praised Coote's contribution to the club.

Since his debut five years ago, Coote has scored 43 tries in 82 games and piqued the interest of Cowboys officials due to his attacking strength and left-foot kicking game.

“Lachlan has been a quality performer during his time at Penrith," Moss said. 

"He is one of our local juniors who has come up through the ranks and played well in first grade, but we understand players move on and we wish Lachlan the best of luck at the Cowboys and with his playing future."

Cowboys general manager – football Peter Parr said the 23-year-old was an exciting acquisition who is ready made for NRL football next year.

“We’re very happy to have been able to sign Lachlan to a contract with North Queensland,” Parr said.

“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 teammate.

“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.”