Patience has been a virtue for North Queensland fullback Lachlan Coote.

But it seems win-less Cowboys coach Paul Green’s patience has run out ahead of Friday night’s crunch NRL derby clash in Brisbane.

Coote never lost faith in his recovery from a serious knee injury after lasting just seven minutes on Cowboys debut at the 2014 Auckland Nines.

And he will be rewarded after being named as Cowboys fullback against the Broncos – 395 days after being struck down in New Zealand.

However, Green said time had run out for underperforming incumbents after North Queensland dropped to a 0-2 season start.

Pivot Robert Lui is the first casualty, dumped to second tier Queensland Cup after Green switched Michael Morgan from fullback to pivot to make way for Coote.

“I was pretty loyal to the guys who finished the season the way we did last year,” Green said.

“They got first crack at it this year, but we have had two losses and I need to get something going now.

“Robbie will be disappointed but I have spoken to him about some things he needs to work on and he understands.”

Ex-Penrith No.1 Coote was initially recruited last year to fill the boots of outgoing Cowboys great Matt Bowen.

Finally fit again, Coote will again feel the pressure upon his long-awaited return when he slots in for Morgan at fullback.

“He gets his chance this week,” Green said.

“Cootey is now champing at the bit.”

Morgan was a revelation at fullback last year, earning 18th man Queensland selection and a Four Nations Kangaroos train-on squad nod.

And Morgan had made no secret that he preferred the fullback role, setting up what many believed to be a titanic battle with Coote for the Cowboys No.1 jersey this season.

But Green was comfortable with switching Morgan to pivot for their crunch clash.

“I think he enjoys the space at fullback but hopefully he get can get some space at five-eighth,” Green said.

“He (Coote) will add a bit in attack once we get down on our end of the field.”

Meanwhile, winger Justin O’Neill has been named despite suffering a concussion in last weekend’s loss to Newcastle.

“There is a protocol he has to follow, but he is feeling good and ticking all the boxes, if that continues we expect him to play,” Green said.