LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Xavier Coates, the talented winger for Australia and Queensland, is reportedly close to signing a new contract that will keep him with the Melbourne Storm, but there's an interesting twist to his situation.
Considered one of the top wingers in the NRL, Coates is among several marquee players eligible to negotiate with rival teams in under two months, likely attracting interest from multiple clubs.
His future is expected to be finalized before he was initially scheduled to enter the free agent market at the beginning of November.
After halfback Jahrome Hughes secured a contract extension, Coates is following suit. According to The Sydney Morning Herald, Coates will sign a new one-year deal to remain in Victoria at least until the conclusion of the 2027 season.
Although he is extending his stay, Coates will have the option to converse with rival teams starting in November 2026, and will become a free agent when the Papua New Guinea expansion team starts recruiting for the 2028 season.
"I am happy with my time at Melbourne," Coates shared in a recent News Corp interview.
"I don't know the whole gist of the new NRL team (Papua New Guinea) coming in, but I am happy down in Melbourne, so I'm not focusing too far ahead."