Thompson one of the best – Coote

St Helens and Great Britain full-back Lachlan Coote admits team-mate Luke Thompson is one of the best he’s ever lined up with. The duo are part of the travelling Great Britain squad for their tour of New Zealand where they will play Michael Maguire’s side twice as well as matches against Tonga and Papua New Guinea. Both played big roles in St Helens winning their first Grand Final for five years after defeating Salford Red Devils at Old Trafford 23-6 a fortnight ago. Thompson has been with Saints all his career after progressing through the club’s academy system and has played 157 times for the club. Coote, who joined St Helens at the start of the 2019 season from North Queensland Cowboys, says Thompson has been an excellent team-mate and will perform well for Great Britain. “He’s got it all,” Coote said. “He’s got the footwork, the speed, the strength and he’s the stamina to play 80 minutes. That’s not something you see much in the front-row. He’s definitely up there as one of the best I’ve seen in the middle. “It will be awesome putting that GB jersey on with him. It’s been a pleasure to play with him all year and I’m looking forward to watching him play some of the best in the world.”