St Helens' Jack Welsby pays tribute to Lachlan Coote ahead of Challenge Cup battle

England star, 22, admits seeing former team-mate Coote forced into early retirement has made him realise Saints must capitalise on all their chances of glory - starting with Saturday's semi-final against Leigh Leopards

St Helens star Jack Welsby doesn’t need any encouragement to make the most of his big days out as he generally rises to the occasion.

But the fate of former team-mate Lachlan Coote serves as a timely reminder for the England international ahead of Saturday’s Challenge Cup semi-final against Leigh. Hull KR full-back Coote, 33, had to retire on medical advice last month having endured a spate of concussions. The Aussie, who won the Cup alongside Welsby at Wembley two years ago, had hoped to play for Rovers against Wigan in Sunday’s other semi-final.

Welsby, 22, said: “Obviously, Cootey is probably one of the players who’s had the biggest impact on my career post-amateur rugby. I’ve learned a lot of my game off Cootey. We’re very different players but it stood me in good stead being his understudy for those years he had at Saints.

“I’m gutted for him the way it’s ended for him but that’s the game. It does make you realise you have got to take these opportunities with both hands, though, and really enjoy the occasion. Things like that happening to not only your ex-team-mates but friends it does put everything into perspective. He was a really good fella when he was here and I really enjoyed my time playing under him. I’ve wished him all the best.”

Welsby developed into one of the world’s best full-backs after his three years working with Coote before the ex-North Queensland star switched to the Robins in 2022. Welsby has won three Grand Finals in a row, starred in last year’s World Cup and also helped Saints beat Penrith in the World Club Challenge in February. But many people are fancying Leigh - flying high in second spot in Super League - to cause an upset in Saturday’s showdown.

Welsby admitted: “It’s not very often that we go into a semi-final in recent times as underdogs. And I feel like we are this week. That makes no odds to us. We’re going to arrive at Warrington with our gameplan which we’ll try and execute perfectly. I’m just really looking forward to the occasion. You have to embrace them: it’s a massive one and it should be a sell-out so I’m really looking forward to it.”

Welsby will be needed to step up again especially as Saints are without legendary hooker James Roby and England centre Mark Percival after they suffered head injuries in Thursday’s loss against leaders Catalans.

He said: “Obviously it’s not ideal losing your captain and best centre the week before a semi-final. But we’re not complaining. It’ll be tough but we’re more than ready; whatever it takes to get to Wembley, we’re dying to put on a top performance.”