Coates suffers cruel NRL comeback blow, Storm star’s season over
Xavier Coates has fully ruptured his Achilles will take no part in the 2026 NRL season.
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Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy confirmed the devastating news following the Storm’s 32-30 win over the Knights at AAMI Park.
The Storm and Queensland star had been back in training and nearing a return to the field after having surgery on the same ankle in February, however he will now be forced to undergo major Achilles repair surgery followed by an extensive period of rehabilitation.
“The players knew before the game and I think there was a little bit of (extra) effort tonight for X,” Craig Bellamy said following the Knights win in his post-match press conference.
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“I’m not really sure what to say, he’s a great player, but a great fella too — a great guy to have around the club,” he added.
“If there’s someone who will fight it and fight his way back, it’ll be Xavier.”
Storm captain Harry Grant described the news as ‘pretty heavy.’
In addition to Storm and State of Origin duties, the injury will also rule Coates out of Australia’s campaign at the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.
According to NRL Physio Achilles repair surgery usually involves a 5-8 month recovery period.
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