Revealed: The surprising reason premiership-winning footy star is excelling in new industry millions of Aussies are OBSESSED with
Lachlan Coote built his name in rugby league but now he is building dreams in a shock new industry after moving back to Townsville, where he won his only NRL premiership with the Cowboys.
Coote now represents Northern Realty as a real estate agent, a move he describes as both a professional challenge and a personal calling.
After more than 15 years in elite sport, he is applying the same discipline and drive to real estate.
Coote played a vital role in the Cowboys’ spine during their historic 2015 NRL Grand Final triumph and felt a strong connection to the local community during that time
So, after five years in England playing for St Helens – where he won three straight Super League titles – he decided to bring his young family back to North Queensland instead of returning to Sydney.
He played 259 professional games, scored 103 tries, and kicked 352 goals, tallying 1123 career points. Internationally, he wore jerseys for Scotland, Great Britain, City Origin and the Prime Minister’s XIII.
Lachlan Coote is a premiership-winning fullback with the North Queensland Cowboys and fell in love with the region during his time in Townsville
The footy star is now working as a real estate agent for Northern Reality in Townsville
But the next chapter of his life would not be in a commentary box or coaching box.
Instead, Coote felt drawn to a new challenge – and a return to Townsville.
‘I love the community, our family loves it,’ he said.
‘It’s a great lifestyle. It feels like home.’
He said he could have gone back to Sydney but chose North Queensland for its sense of belonging.
‘That’s what we loved about this place,’ he said.
Real estate, Coote said, was a natural next step after 15 years of professional footy.
‘I wanted to test myself in another professional environment,’ he said.
Coote says there are many parallels between footy and the professional real estate world and wants to test himself in a new arena
Coote said North Queensland life suited him and his young family and they supported his decision to return to Townsville
He said he saw parallels between professional sport and real estate.
‘You get out what you put in with the hard work and I sort of loved that about being a professional rugby league player.’
Coote said working again within the community gave him real purpose.
‘I’m excited about it and obviously creating the best possible results for my clients going forward.’
He said he chose Northern Realty because of his connection with director Gavin Micola. ‘I felt like there was a good connection and I felt like we could work well together because we’ve got similar values.’
On the company’s website, Coote says his transition into real estate was driven by passion. ‘I’m passionate about achieving the best results for my clients,’ he writes.
He highlights traits from his sporting career – teamwork, trust, and local insight – as central to his new profession.
His profile outlines his focus on client relationships and deep understanding of the Townsville market.
With real estate among the most popular industries in the country, Coote has found a fitting post-footy pathway.
‘I’m here to make your real estate journey smooth and successful,’ he says. ‘Whether you are buying, selling, or investing, let’s work together to achieve your goals.’
