In a huge signing boost for the Melbourne Storm, the club has re-signed hooker Harry Grant, half Jahrome Hughes and winger Xavier Coates all to new long term deals.

Both Hughes and Coates have re-signed until the end of the 2026 season and Grant until the end of the 2025 season.

As the club likely transitions to life after Craig Bellamy as coach in the near future, Storm Chairman Matt Tripp knows retaining the talented trio was a must.

“To have players the calibre of Harry, Jahrome and Xavier all committed to our club for a long period gives us great confidence heading into the future,” Tripp said.

“We now have a quality spine, our skipper, an exciting winger and some great young talent all locked away for a few years.“

Tripp also praised the side’s culture as a big factor in being able to retain the trio.

“We know the three are quality players and, more importantly, quality people.

“We are proud of the strong culture we have built across the entire club and will always work hard to keep good people.”

For Grant, seeing his teammates re-sign around him and owing the Storm were two big factors in his decision to re-sign.

“We have a core group of players who have now signed up for a few extra years which definitely helped with my decision,” Grant said.

“If we can keep that core group together for a long period of time, it only helps with getting the success we all want.

“The Club gave me an opportunity when I started with under 20’s and then again when I was on loan at Wests Tigers, so to come back and get the opportunity to stay longer is really exciting.”

When Hughes thought about his future, the only colour he could see himself playing in was purple.

“I’m really happy where I am and can’t wait to be in Melbourne Storm colours for a few more years,” Hughes said.

“I have a lot of faith in the players coming through and the coaching staff, so it was an easy decision to make in the end.“

Hughes also looks forward to the chance to step up from 2023.

The Club is really well run and we wanted to keep as many of the boys here as possible, so it’s great to sign on with the other boys,” Hughes read.

The Storm’s newest recruit in Coates has combined well with Papua New Guinean teammate Justin Olam and has loved his time at Melbourne so far.

“From the moment I landed in Melbourne, I have loved my time here and everyone has made me feel so welcome,” Coates said.

“I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else to be honest. I’ve had the most enjoyable time here and the club has been so welcoming.

“I can’t wait to pull on the purple jersey for a few more years.”

By ricky

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