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LACHLAN Coote says North Queensland officials made him feel "wanted" for the first time in a long while, after the club he hoped to spend his career with rejected him.
The Cowboys recruit has opened up about the tumultuous end to his Penrith Panthers career, a stint he envisioned would span his footballing life.
The major addition to the Cowboys' roster this season has already bought a house in Townsville, and despite brutal training sessions in the midday sun, has fallen in love with his new club.
An outstanding talent long predicted for State of Origin honours, Coote is far more than just a replacement for Matt Bowen.
Finally injury free, the Panthers' rejection last August looms as the catalyst for his best football.
Coote revealed the key advice that made him realise leaving Penrith would be a positive came from former Panthers teammates who were now starring elsewhere.
Coote was one of several local juniors given early releases from the foot of the mountains in recent seasons, with the cash freed used to sign Jamal Idris this week.
Lachlan Coote at pre-season training with the Cowboys. Source: News Limited
"I spoke to guys like Michael Jennings, Wade Graham and Luke Lewis and they all told me how good their moves had been for them," Coote said.
"They said it would be the best thing for me, to have a fresh start.
"Penrith were my team. I always wanted to be a Panther and I wanted to stay there.
"I'm really happy with the Cowboys and especially how they approached me. It made me feel wanted.
"At first I was a bit nervous about coming up here but it has been awesome so far.
"I'm 100 per cent fit. I have been given an opportunity at fullback and now I have to take it."
Lachlan Coote at pre-season training with the Cowboys. Source: News Limited
Coote, who burst onto the NRL scene as a teenager in 2008, did not see the Panthers' release coming.
"I didn't sense it at all," Coote said. "I tore my pec (pectoral muscle) in round two last year and I was sceptical about stuff because people were being signed in my position, so I hit (coach) Ivan (Cleary) up and asked him 'Do you see me here in the future' and he basically told me 'yes'.
"Next thing you know the Cowboys are after me and Penrith want to release me.
"It was an overnight thing really.
"They (Penrith) said 'nah you should pretty much take it (the Cowboys deal)'.
"It was disappointing but that's football. I'm not looking back now ... It is all a business.
"That's their job. If they are not happy with you then you can't really question their plans for you.
"I just moved on and I couldn't be happier now."
Lachlan Coote at pre-season training with the Cowboys. Source: News Limited
Coote was so intent on making a name for himself at the Cowboys he withdrew from Scotland's World Cup squad last October.
Despite being based in Townsville for more than two months, Coote has yet to meet superstar playmaker and Cowboys co-captain Johnathan Thurston.
"He was one of the biggest attractions of agreeing to come up here," Coote said.
"I still haven't met him yet but I'm sure when he gets back from his holidays we will strike up a good combination."
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