Cowboys give fullback Lachlan Coote the silent treatment over future at club

COWBOYS coach Paul Green has admitted he is “regenerating” his roster after premiership-winning fullback Lachlan Coote revealed he had not heard from the club in regards to a new contract.

Lachlan Coote isn't sure if he’s wanted at the Cowboys. Picture: Zak Simmonds

COWBOYS coach Paul Green has admitted he is “regenerating” his roster after premiership-winning fullback Lachlan Coote revealed he had not heard from the club in regards to a new contract.

Coote, who has been demoted to the Intrust Super Cup for the past month, on Tuesday told Fox Sports that he would prefer to stay in Townsville with his wife and two young children but had not heard from the Cowboys “at all” about his future.

While there is reported interest in the Super League, the 28-year-old is hopeful he can stay with North Queensland, where he won a premiership in 2015.

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Lachlan Coote isn't sure if he’s wanted at the Cowboys. Picture: Zak Simmonds

But Green admitted on Tuesday the Cowboys were looking to freshen up their roster.

Veteran winger Antonio Winterstein announced his retirement earlier this season while centre Kane Linnett has already been told his contract won’t be renewed, with younger stars like Gideon Gela-Mosby and Enari Tuala making their way through the ranks.

While Green would not comment on whether or not the Cowboys want Coote at the club in 2019 and beyond, he did say they were “regenerating”, indicating the fullback’s time in Townsville could be coming to an end.

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“We’re looking at a lot of different players, not just Cootey,” Green said.

“Given the season we’ve had, we have to look at some of those guys that are getting on. We have to look at how we can regenerate the roster.

“That’s where we’re at with regards to Cootey. That’s probably where we sit.”

Coote has spent a chunk of his season playing with the Mackay Cutters while playmaker Te Maire Martin has continued to flourish in the fullback role.

Green said that 22-year-old Martin had done well for the Cowboys and would fit perfectly into the new roster.

Paul Green says the club are looking to regenerate their roster in 2019. Picture: Alix Sweeney

“He’s still learning the role but for us to regenerate, we have to look to some younger guys,” he said.

“Whether or not Cootey can contribute, I’m not sure. But Te Maire is doing a good job there at the moment.”

Green named John Asiata at lock to replace a suspended Jason Taumalolo for the side’s clash with the Sharks on Saturday, with Francis Molo coming on to the bench.

Gela-Mosby has retained his place on the wing after playing against the Broncos last week.