Lachlan Coote has drawn level with James Tedesco in race to NSW fullback spot

GRAND final-winning star Lachlan Coote has drawn level with fullback contenders Josh Dugan, James Tedesco and Matt Moylan in the race to claim NSW’s No. 1 jumper.

Blues coach Laurie Daley would have no hesitation picking Lachlan Coote at fullback. Picture: Wesley Monts

GRAND final-winning star Lachlan Coote has drawn level with fullback contenders Josh Dugan, James Tedesco and Matt Moylan in the congested race to claim NSW’s No. 1 jumper.

Blues coach Laurie Daley told The Saturday Telegraph he would have “no hesitation” selecting Coote, who signed a rich new two-year deal with the Cowboys this week.

Dugan will be in the NSW side for Origin I on June 1, although his final position hasn’t yet been determined. It could be fullback, wing or centre.

If picked at fullback, Coote, Moylan and Tedesco would miss out.

If Dugan is chosen elsewhere, Moylan, Coote and Tedesco would then be locked in three-way shootout.

Tedesco was considered a certainty several weeks ago but it is difficult to keep impressing in a Wests Tigers side that has struggled. He was injured in Thursday night’s win over South Sydney.

Finally injury-free, Moylan will play for Penrith in Saturday’s match against Canberra at Carrington Park, Bathurst.

Coote is firming late — and little wonder. He has been in stellar form for North Queensland this year as the Cowboys chase back-to-back premiership titles.

Tigers James Tedesco celebrates scoring a try during the Round 9 NRL game between the South Sydney Rabbitohs and the Wests Tigers at ANZ Stadium . Picture : Gregg Porteous

“He’s played well now for a couple of years and his form certainly hasn’t gone unnoticed,” Daley told The Daily Telegraph. “Lachan is a guy we would have no hesitation in choosing. He is certainly in the mix

“Lachlan has been discussed along with James Tedesco, Josh Dugan and Matt Moylan. Obviously we are very lucky we have guys that are all capable of playing State of Origin. We wouldn’t have any hesitation is using any of them.

“I think Lachlan is a player that missed out a lot because he is in north Queensland but he is certainly on the radar down here.”

Coote has another opportunity to impress in Saturday night’s big between Manly and North Queensland at Brookvale Oval.

Daley conceded last night that Coote was now running level with the other candidates.

“Lachlan can certainly give you an extra ball-playing option from the back. He has a left foot kick and has won big games,” Coote said.

“He knows the North Queensland players (in the Maroons side), what they like, what they don’t like. There are a lot of things that make him a good option for us.

“Josh Dugan will be there but it depends on where he will be selected. The other blokes, we will monitor them closely over the next couple of weeks and see how they are going, see which one we will use. Either of those four players could get the job done, we are very fortunate.”

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

Former NSW star Greg Alexander, who also played some fullback, has watched Coote, a Penrith junior for years.

“Lachlan Coote, over the first eight rounds, is the competition’s form fullback and probably the Cowboys best player too,” Alexander said.

Originally published as Lachlan Coote has drawn level with James Tedesco in race to NSW fullback spot