LACHLAN Coote is set to make his North Queensland debut at fullback as Cowboys coach Paul Green made his first changes to arrest the winless start to the season.

Coote was signed as a successor to Cowboys great Matt Bowen at the end of the 2013 season but missed last year with a knee injury.

The 24-year-old’s experience at fullback, where he played most of his 83 games for Penrith, saw him earn the No. 1 jersey while incumbent Michael Morgan’s superior defence means he will partner Johnathan Thurston in the halves.

Robert Lui will suit up for the Townsville Blackhawks in the Intrust Super Cup.

After staying loyal to the players who won eight of the Cowboys’ last 10 games in 2014, Green said losses to the Sydney Roosters and Newcastle meant it was time to make changes.

EXPECT MORE OF THIS, BRONCOS WARN JT

Coote has not played an NRL match since the end of 2013 but his fitness was never an issue as he started the year in the Queensland Cup.

As he looks for some consistency in attack, Green hoped Coote would add plenty to the Cowboys’ firepower.

“Hopefully he’s got good pass selection when he comes into the backline.”

Morgan enjoyed a breakout year in his switch to the custodian role, earning a spot in the Queensland Origin camp and Prime Minister’s XIII side, and Green hopes the Townsville junior will find as much space at five-eighth as he did at fullback.

“I think we’re probably better defensively with Morgo defending in the front line,” Green said. “He’s a bigger body, makes good decisions and has played most of his footy there (in the halves).”