Xavier Coates

Melbourne Storm’s Player of the Year for 2023, Xavier Coates has proved to be a serious force since moving to the club after making his NRL debut with the Brisbane Broncos.

Finishing 2022 as the Club’s top try scorer of the year with 16 tries, Coates signed a contract extension with Melbourne in April keeping the flyer in purple until at least 2026.

In 2023, the Currumbin Eagles junior showed that age certainly isn’t a barrier at the top level, running in 16 tries, including three hattricks as well as running for 2,684 metres and amassing 59 tackle breaks.

With a further 11 line-breaks, the 22-year old proved he’s a hard man to catch in open space.

Coates also gained selection in the Queensland Maroons side for State of Origin Games 2 and 3 of the series as well as celebrating 50 NRL games in Round 1 of the 2023 season.

An ankle injury suffered in Storm’s Qualifying Final against the Brisbane Broncos would ultimately rule Coates out for the remainder of the 2023 finals series.

2024 saw a strong start from Coates, claiming 9 tries in the first 15 Rounds, with three of those coming from Storm’s Round 8 thriller against the Rabbitohs.

Coates’ highlight reel for 2024 started early, with a flying Round 2 corner try against the Warriors earning him several accolades (2024’s most viewed NRL try, Melbourne Storm’s Best Try Award and the 2024 Dally M Try of the Year).

Unfortunately, a hamstring injury struck the winger in Round 17, which didn’t see his return until Round 27. Coates capped off the year returning to the Queensland Maroons side for the Origin series, as well as earning a spot in the 2024 Australian Kangaroos side.

Xavier is sponsored by DMS Carpets, EKV Systems-Security Installations, Diamond Steel Engineering and the Toleman Family.