LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Phillip Coates, the younger brother of Australia, Queensland, and Melbourne Storm winger Xavier Coates, has reportedly secured his first NRL contract.
At just 19 years old, Phillip closely resembles his older brother and has already enjoyed a successful junior career. He has represented the Under-19s Queensland Maroons and Junior Kumuls, competing against the Australian Schoolboys at the end of the previous year.
According to The Courier-Mail, Coates has signed with the Brisbane Broncos for the 2024 season. He will be one of six players on the club's development list for the 2026 NRL season and will be eligible for selection starting from Round 1.
This decision comes as the Broncos gear up to compete against Xavier and the Melbourne Storm in the 2025 NRL Grand Final, following their recent two-point victory over the Penrith Panthers, which ended the latter's dynasty on Sunday.
"Phil has a naturally big athletic frame like his brother," stated Simon Scanlan, the club's recruitment chief. "He is a really good person and who is at the start of his rugby league journey. He can play both centre and wing."
"We are preparing Phil through the Academy to get him ready for the rigours of NRL training in the near future."