Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
Xavier Coates has been ruled out for the rest of 2026 after the Melbourne Storm winger ruptured his Achilles at training on Friday while trying to return to first grade.
The injury came before Melbourne Storm held off Newcastle Knights 32-30, giving the club a sixth win of the NRL season but leaving them without one of their best finishers.
For more on the first injury update, read Xavier Coates Ruled Out For Season In Major Melbourne Storm Injury Blow.
Melbourne Storm Hit By Coates Setback
Coates had not played this season after first hurting his Achilles in pre-season. The club had hoped he could return around round 10, but his recovery had taken longer than expected.
“I was running and it just popped,” Coates told AAP.
“I was only running at about 50 per cent and it just went.”
The Queensland representative is set to undergo surgery next week. The injury also rules him out of State of Origin Game 3 and the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.
Storm Rally After Injury News
Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy said the squad learned of Coates’ setback before the Newcastle Knights match.
“The players knew before the game, and I think there was a little bit of effort tonight was for X,” Craig Bellamy said after the match against the Knights.
“I’m not really sure what to say either. He’s a great player, but a great fella too, and a great guy to have around the club.
“If there’s someone who will fight it and fight his way back, it’ll be Xavier.”
Storm captain Harry Grant said the news had landed hard with the playing group.
“Yeah, pretty heavy,” he said.
“I think he was only a couple of weeks from returning, but Xav is the ultimate team man..
“He always puts everyone before himself, and you know what you’re going to get from him week in, week out.
“The club’s got his back now and Xaveir knows that a lot of people have been through that injury and come out on top.”
Official NRL updates are available through the NRL website.