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 was an important part of our future here at the Broncos, he was one of the guys that we were very keen to hang on to and be a long-term player here.
“That’s not the case, so we’ll move on.”
Ponissi is delighted the reigning premiers have been able to secure the Queensland Origin winger’s signature for the 2022 and 2023 NRL seasons.
“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.
