Melbourne Storm winger Xavier Coates will be a key figure in Sunday’s NRL Grand Final against Brisbane, with his aerial ability posing a major threat to the Broncos’ defence. The 194cm Queenslander, named in the Dally M team of the season, has scored 26 tries from kicks since his debut in 2019, a rate unmatched by most of his peers.
Opposition teams have resorted to desperate tactics to contain Coates, including grabbing him before he leaves the ground and using an 'escort' system to block his path. The NRL recently warned that such interference could lead to sin-binnings, but Coates remains unfazed. 'I'm going to keep doing what I'm doing,' he said.
Coates has evolved into a well-rounded winger, averaging 150 run metres per game this season, up from 101 in his first year at Melbourne. He credits the six-again rule for changing the role of wingers, who now carry the ball out of their own half more frequently.
Melbourne’s wide threat is increased by the return of Will Warbrick, who is equally dangerous in the air. Brisbane will have to contend with both, with Coates expecting to face Deine Mariner. 'It's just part of our job to stop that threat,' Mariner said.
