Queensland State of Origin winger Xavier Coates has today officially signed with NRL premiers Melbourne Storm for the 2022 and 2023 NRL seasons.
The 20-year-old, who was first part of the Storm system in the club’s academy programs, is regarded as one of the best young talents in the game and will relocate to Melbourne at the end of the current season.
Coates made his NRL debut in 2019 and has played 24 matches for Brisbane, scoring 14 tries. His 2021 campaign has featured eight tries in the opening nine rounds of the season.
Born in Papua New Guinea, he represented his homeland in a Test against Samoa in 2019 and his representative career continued with two State of Origin appearances for Queensland, including two tries, in the series victory last year.
Storm General Manager – Football Frank Ponissi said the club was delighted to have Coates in the purple jersey for the next two seasons.
“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.
“We know there were a number of clubs interested in signing Xavier, but he was very keen to experience what Storm has to offer.
“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.”
