LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
As the 2025 NRL Finals approach, Xavier Coates, a winger for the Queensland Maroons, has re-signed with the Melbourne Storm, offering intriguing insights into his future.
Coates is recognized as one of the top wingers in the NRL, and with his contract status, he could have drawn interest from several competing teams in the near future. Despite this, he has confirmed his immediate future with the Storm while hinting at potential long-term aspirations.
By signing a one-year contract extension that keeps him with the Storm through the 2027 NRL season, Coates has suggested the possibility of joining the upcoming PNG 2028 expansion team down the line.
This decision means he is currently off the market, but he will be eligible to negotiate with rival teams again starting November 2026, coinciding with the launch of the PNG 2028 team for player recruitment.
"I've loved every minute of my time in Melbourne. The club has helped me grow not only as a player but as a person," Coates stated, emphasizing his strong connection to the team. "We've got a great group of players and coaches, and I want to be part of bringing more success to Storm."