Xavier Coates to Storm?
Assuming he signs, he's an almost unprecedented signing for us in terms of signing a young Origin rep who isn't past his best and unlikely to play more Origin (ie Finch, Ryles, TLL, Walker). Perhaps only since Mick Crocker. Very exciting!
The original report from the DT the other day had it as the first current origin player we've signed since Crocker 15 years ago. It's unprecedented indeed and it amuses me when fans of other clubs throw us in with the Roosters as a team who just goes on the market for a player like this every year.
It is also funny that fans of other clubs say how can Storm afford to sign Coates. Without considering that we lost the GOAT at the end of last year and while we would have upgraded some contracts out external recruits were Reimis Smith and George Jennings. Who both wouldn't be on massive deals.
Plus we are losing Josh Addo-Carr at the end of the season.
Plus we are losing Josh Addo-Carr at the end of the season.
This is really exciting. Coates is going to be fun to watch.
https://www.sen.com.au/news/2021/05/09/ ... -interest/
BRONCOS COACH CONFIRMS STAR WINGER’S EXIT TO STORM AT SEASON'S END
Brisbane Broncos coach Kevin Walters has confirmed star winger Xavier Coates will be leaving the club at the end of the season.
Coates, who comes off-contract at season’s end, has signed for the Melbourne Storm on a two-year deal from next year.
Storm football boss Frank Ponissi confirmed the club’s interest in Coates as a replacement for star flyer Josh Addo-Carr, who has signed for the Bulldogs from 2022.
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“It’s very disappointing, I’ve got to say,” Walters told Channel Nine’s NRL Sunday Footy Show.
“Everyone knows and is aware of his talents. He’s a young guy that’s been in our system for three or four years now. To lose him - it’s not great, I’ve got to say for the Broncos.
“But we respect Xavier’s decision to move on.
“Xavier has already shown he is one of the best young wingers in the game, but at just 20 years of age there is still plenty more he can achieve and develop in his game,” Ponissi said.
“He was a player who was always on our radar, with his connections with Storm going back to his junior days when he was part of the Easts Academy aligned with Storm.
“We know there were a number of clubs interested in signing Xavier, but he was very keen to experience what Storm has to offer.
“Our members and fans will really enjoy his style of football and I know our NRL squad will be very happy to welcome him as a Storm player from 2022.”
“It’s pleasing to have his contract settled and we’ll look forward to seeing him in Melbourne for pre-season.”
Coates has scored eight tries in nine appearances for the Broncos this season.
https://www.sen.com.au/news/2021/05/09/ ... -interest/
BRONCOS COACH CONFIRMS STAR WINGER’S EXIT TO STORM AT SEASON'S END
Brisbane Broncos coach Kevin Walters has confirmed star winger Xavier Coates will be leaving the club at the end of the season.
Coates, who comes off-contract at season’s end, has signed for the Melbourne Storm on a two-year deal from next year.
Storm football boss Frank Ponissi confirmed the club’s interest in Coates as a replacement for star flyer Josh Addo-Carr, who has signed for the Bulldogs from 2022.
Stay up to date with all the latest news from SEN. Sign up HERE.
“It’s very disappointing, I’ve got to say,” Walters told Channel Nine’s NRL Sunday Footy Show.
“Everyone knows and is aware of his talents. He’s a young guy that’s been in our system for three or four years now. To lose him - it’s not great, I’ve got to say for the Broncos.
“But we respect Xavier’s decision to move on.
“Xavier has already shown he is one of the best young wingers in the game, but at just 20 years of age there is still plenty more he can achieve and develop in his game,” Ponissi said.
“He was a player who was always on our radar, with his connections with Storm going back to his junior days when he was part of the Easts Academy aligned with Storm.
“We know there were a number of clubs interested in signing Xavier, but he was very keen to experience what Storm has to offer.
“Our members and fans will really enjoy his style of football and I know our NRL squad will be very happy to welcome him as a Storm player from 2022.”
“It’s pleasing to have his contract settled and we’ll look forward to seeing him in Melbourne for pre-season.”
Coates has scored eight tries in nine appearances for the Broncos this season.