The Melbourne Storm are close to locking in star winger Xavier Coates with a contract extension that would keep him at the club until the end of 2027.
Reports have emerged that a deal is all but signed, in an important piece of the Storm’s recruitment puzzle after recently re-signing star halfback Jahrome Hughes.
The Queensland Maroons representative is currently signed through to 2026 but is set to add an extra year to his deal as Melbourne look to secure one of their most important outside backs.
Coates has been linked with expansion sides such as the Perth Bears and the future PNG franchise, but he has made it clear his focus remains on the Storm.
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When asked about the potential of returning to represent PNG at club level, Coates said he was happy in Melbourne and not looking too far ahead, though his current deal would still allow him to speak to the PNG franchise before it enters the league.
With expansion sides preparing to enter the NRL and continued talk of Rugby 360 interest, several Storm stars have been mentioned as possible targets, including Harry Grant and Ryan Papenhuyzen, who can negotiate with rival clubs from November.
The Storm now seem to have another piece of the puzzle locked in with Coates, and at just 24 years old he has become one of the NRL’s most dangerous wingers with his explosive speed, finishing ability and impact under the high ball.
For the Storm, keeping Coates will be another step in ensuring their core group remains intact as they continue to be a top premiership contender in the coming years.
No doubt the club will now shift more focus onto their other stars to prevent a bidding war erupting come November 1.