If you are a Brisbane Broncos fan, losing Xavier Coates cannot be understated. Especially when he heads to the Melbourne Storm.
Coates will link up with the Storm on a two-year deal from the 2022 season in what is a direct replacement for Josh Addo-Carr.
After informing his Broncos’ teammates of his decision last night, Coates was quick to praise the club that gave him his debut.
“The Broncos are a great club and they have played a huge role in helping me get to where I am today,” Coates said.
“This was a really hard decision to make but I promise that I will give my best for the Broncos, my teammates, and our fans every moment for the rest of the year.”
Still only 20 years old, Coates is no stranger to the Melbourne Storm system.
He was in the Storm’s academy squad and will relocate to Melbourne at the end of the season.
With 24 games and 14 tries, Coates is fast becoming a quality winger in the game, potentially elite in a few seasons.
It is no surprise that the Storm’s General Manager Frank Ponissi says the side is pleased to have him back.
“Xavier has already shown he is one of the best young wingers in the game, but at just 20 years of age there is still plenty more he can achieve and develop in his game,” Ponissi said.
“He was a player who was always on our radar, with his connections with Storm going back to his junior days when he was part of the Easts Academy aligned with Storm.”
With other clubs interested, Ponissi knows that the Storm has signed a quality player.
“We know there were a number of clubs interested in signing Xavier, but he was very keen to experience what Storm has to offer,” Ponissi continued.
“Our members and fans will really enjoy his style of football and I know our NRL squad will be very happy to welcome him as a Storm player from 2022.”
“It’s pleasing to have his contract settled and we’ll look forward to seeing him in Melbourne for pre-season.”
