LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
In a devastating blow for Queensland's Xavier Coates, the Melbourne Storm winger has been sidelined with a nasty hamstring injury.
The setback has left Storm coach Craig Bellamy fearing the worst, with potential implications for Coates' representative football career.
The injury occurred during the Storm's hard-fought 16-6 victory over the Canberra Raiders, casting a shadow over what should have been a triumphant night for Coates.
The young star's milestone 50th game for the club was marred by the injury, leaving him and his teammates understandably disheartened.
"It's not great," Bellamy lamented.
"Xavier is a key player for us, and his absence will be sorely felt on the field.
It's a tough break for him and for the team."
The Storm's victory propels them two games clear at the top of the NRL table, but the loss of Coates is a bitter pill to swallow for the team.
With their sights set on a successful season, they will need to rally together and fill the void left by their injured star.
As Coates begins his recovery journey, the Storm will look to regroup and push forward without him.
It's a challenging time for the team, but as they say in rugby league, it's all about overcoming adversity and rising to the occasion.
With determination and resilience, the Storm will weather this storm and emerge stronger on the other side.