Melbourne Storm's Xavier Coates faces a devastating end to his season after rupturing his achilles during training.
Although he has yet to play this year, Coates was anticipated to return soon from a previous achilles injury sustained in pre-season.
On Friday evening, the Storm officially announced that his season is concluded as he embarks on rehabilitation for this new setback.
"Melbourne Storm Winger Xavier Coates has suffered a setback in his return to football, rupturing his achilles at training on Friday," the club stated following their match against the Newcastle Knights.
"Coates will miss the remainder of the season and have surgery next week before beginning his rehabilitation."
Had he made his scheduled return, he would have been a strong candidate for the Queensland State of Origin squad; instead, he now faces an extensive recovery period of five to eight months, possibly pushing back his return to the start of the 2026 pre-season.
Even in a worst-case scenario, he might be ready for Round 1 next year, but this is undoubtedly a significant blow for Melbourne, Queensland, and the Australian team for the upcoming World Cup, where he likely would have been a starter.
With 62 tries from 76 matches for the Storm, Coates was expected to bolster Melbourne's push for finals; however, the team must now adapt with the players who have stepped in, including Moses Leo.
Will Warbrick will maintain his position on the other wing, as Manaia Waitere and Suilagi Tuimalatu-Brown vie alongside Leo for the remaining wing spot through the rest of the season.