SFIZE THE DAY

Welsby wake-up call as big pal forced to retire

- DAVE CRAVEN

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 teammate 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 had to retire at 33 on medical advice last month, having endured a spate of concussions.

The Australian, 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.

“Cootey is probably one of the players who’s had the biggest impact on my career post-amateur rugby,” said Welsby, who is just 22.