THE Cootes are code hopping, again.
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Sam and Jackson Coote, some six years after originally converting from rugby league to rugby union, are heading back to the 13-man code in 2015 after committing to play with Orange Hawks.
Both Bloomfield Tigers, Hawks’ feeder club, juniors, the Coote brothers have spent the last three seasons playing for Orange City in the Blowes Clothing Cup, and before that with Charles Sturt University Bathurst.
“We spoke about what each other was thinking for 2015 and both sort of decided we’d like to go back to league,” Sam said.
“In fact, we both only really turned to rugby when we went to university. We both played rugby league up until then, it just worked out we went to Orange City as well.”
“The only reason I went to Orange City after being at CSU was because Sam was playing there,” Jackson added.
“Otherwise I would have gone straight back to Hawks.”
After winning two consecutive undefeated premierships with Orange City, Sam said he hoped to bring a certain Lions element across to Hawks with him.
“Part of the reason we were so successful at Orange City was because of the off field stuff,” Sam said.
“We were a seriously tight-knit group, just one big group of mates really, and we’ve heard Hawks is really heading in that direction.
“If we can help that along, and get involved off the field in terms of the social aspect we’ll definitely do so.
“It sounds like the club is thriving at the moment, and really we can’t wait to be involved.”
Despite both being spruiked as potential first graders by new co-coaches Brock McGarity and Jared Brodrick, Jackson admitted he is expecting to line-up in Hawks first division team - for the start of the season at least.
“Honestly I’m expecting to play reserve grade,” Jackson added.
“I’d love to play premier league obviously, the side we look like having seems reasonably exciting but I’ve come over for the fun aspect, to play with mates.
“What grade I play isn’t crucial for me, although I would love to play with Sam wherever that may be.”
“I’m not really sure at the moment where I’ll be either, I’ve been spoken to about playing in the centres or at fullback,” Sam said.
“A lot of it really depends on where Brock [McGarity] and Cody [Robbins] play. In saying that, there’s no walk-up starts, we need to impress in the pre-season to earn our place.”
