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ALBURY Thunder ace Adam Coote says new-found chemistry with his teammates has been a major factor behind his late-season form burst.
Coote, 23, has played his best games for the Thunder in recent weeks and the star hooker said it was largely because he’d been playing with them for longer.
“The hooker is pretty vital to the forward pack and I’ve got better at working out how the other boys play,” the first-year Albury player said.
“Being new, that was always going to take a bit of time to settle in to the team.
“We’re jelling a lot better and have more confidence.
“There are always areas to improve but I’ve been very happy with my form lately.”
Coote is a key to Sunday’s Group 9 decider against South-city and the former Aberdeen utility can’t wait for the blockbuster at Wagga’s Equex Centre.
“It should be a good game,” Coote said.
“We trained well this week, we haven’t picked up any serious injuries and we are feeling fresh.
“They’ve got us in a few close matches this year but we know we can beat them.
“We know we’ve got the ability — we’ve just got to make sure we turn up on the day.”
Thunder coach Josh Cale said there was no doubt that Coote had improved as the season had progressed.
Coote starred in Sunday’s enthralling 33-24 win over Gundagai in the preliminary final.
“He’s worked really hard,” Cale said.
“When he first turned up, he was a bit light but he’s got stronger and fitter as the year has gone on.
“He’d tell you that himself.
“He’s adapted to our style and really come into his own lately.
“He plays a really important position for us and we’ll need plenty out of him this week.”