Taumalolo ready to repay Cowboys: Coote

Mar 30, 2017 - 10:29 PM Quick to apologise after copping a two match ban, North Queensland forward Jason Taumalolo won't be showing any such remorse to South Sydney when he looks to "repay" the Cowboys upon his NRL return on Friday night.

North Queensland will welcome back fullback Lachlan Coote from a two week calf injury against the Rabbitohs in Townsville.

However, Coote seemed more excited about Taumalolo's first game back from a shoulder charge suspension after training alongside the damaging backrower the past fortnight.

Coote said Taumalolo could not wait to be unleashed against South Sydney and make up for lost time.

"I have been training the last two weeks with Jase and he's been biting at the bit to get back," he said.

"I am sure he will be full of energy and wanting to get it over their forwards."

Asked if Taumalolo owed the team after his ban, Coote said: "He did apologise to the boys but there was no need to say sorry.

"But I am sure he will come out and want to repay the boys."

Coote was handed the No.1 jersey upon his return despite the form of young replacement Kalyn Ponga.

The 18-year-old scored his maiden NRL try and set up another in the Cowboys' last round 32-26 win on the Gold Coast.

"It was good to see the young fellas go good out there," Coote said.

"I am sure he will take that back to the under 20s."

While Coote was a huge Ponga fan, he admitted his return provided much needed experience to their defence.

"Hopefully I can go out there and bring that experience back," he said.

"Defensvely we have been poor and we will have to be on against a big pack this week."

Coote said he had no doubts about his calf.

"I have had two weeks off and I am up to 100 per cent speed - I am pretty confident with it," he said.

Source: AAP