SAINTS full back Lachlan Coote rates his call-up to the Great Britain team for Saturday’s tour opener against Tonga as “probably the biggest achievement of his career”.

Coote, who qualified for selection on ancestry on account of his Scottish grandmother, has enjoyed a fine first season in Super League.

Shortlisted for the Man of Steel, and capping it with a Grand Final ring, Coote now has the rep honours to supply the icing to the 2019 cake.

He is one of four Saints named in the top 17, with Luke Thompson listed to start with Jonny Lomax and Alex Walmsley occupying bench spots.

Coote said: “I am over the moon. I did not really expect it with the first test, but I was really excited to hear my name announced last night.

“I can’t wait to get out there with the boys.

“It has been great and I have felt welcome from day one – I am really excited to take the field with them.”

Coote and the other Australian-born players – Blake Austin and Jackson Hastings - who qualify on ancestry grounds - were controversial picks for the tour.

But the 30-year-old Saints ace sees the selection as a huge honour.

“It is probably the biggest achievement in my career and I am not going to take it lightly,” he said.

“It is a great privilege to be part of the team with such an iconic jersey.

“These tours don’t come around too often and I feel fortunate to be involved.”

He will come face to face with big Tongan side, coached by new Saints boss Kristian Woolf, and backed by a vocal support who will bring the atmosphere to Hamilton.

Coote cannot wait.

“It is going to be a great test.

“The crowd is going to be there and I have seen the atmosphere they can create so I am really looking forward to being a part of it.

“There’s no doubt that they are going to come out firing.

“It will be good to catch up with Kristian Woolf afterwards, but we have a job to do – and hopefully we get that done on Saturday.”