With Selwyn Cobbo ruled out with a hip-pointer injury he re-aggravated during Brisbane’s win against the Knights, Coates got the call-up from coach Billy Slater after a starring two-try performance in Melbourne's win over the Sharks – adamant as ever he was going to make the most of the opportunity.
“There’s something special about this Queensland community and this Queensland group and the Maroons jersey when you pull it on. I'm just really looking forward to being a part of this camp,” Coates said.
“I was pretty ecstatic for the opportunity to pull the jersey on again and I'm taking it with both hands and I'm trying to pick apart their (coaching staff and players) brains.
“They're feeding me so much knowledge and I'm just trying to take it all in and become a better player for Queensland.”
Under Slater, the Maroons have maintained a strong focus on doing the jersey proud for past players and those who can’t be there, with Coates saying he wanted to play well for Cobbo.
“I know Selwyn pulled up not 100% and that's where Bill touched base with me and asked how would I feel like putting on this Maroons jersey?’,” Coates said.
“The boys, last year in Game Two and Three, when I was injured, they were messaging me, seeing how I was doing and they were telling me that they're going to play for me.
“So, now it's my opportunity to play for Selwyn and to help the boys out and do my role to the best of my ability.
“It's something we always touch on in our camps and it's working for each other.
“When you're out in the field doing it tough, you're not working for yourself, you look over to the mate beside you and you're going to do it for him.
“It's something really special. I know I keep using the word special but it is, it's something about this Queensland spirit and something about this Maroons jersey that when we pull it on, something special happens.”
Source:NRL.Com
By Paula David |
June 17, 2023
