Storm Moves to Secure Xavier Coates Amid 2025 NRL Ladder Push
You know, the 2025 NRL season has been nothing short of thrilling, and the Melbourne Storm have been at the center of a lot of the action lately. Right now, the spotlight is shining brightly on Xavier Coates, the Queensland Maroons winger, after a standout performance against the Penrith Panthers. He scored a spectacular try—even though he bobbled the ball during the contest with Dylan Edwards, the try was still awarded. That moment alone had fans talking, and it perfectly captured the kind of excitement the Storm are bringing to the ladder this season.
The Storm’s game against the Panthers was intense from start to finish. Nathan Cleary and Scott Sorensen gave Penrith some big moments, with Cleary finishing a classy team try and Sorensen muscling over the line to take the lead at one stage. But the Storm fought back in style. Harry Grant’s match-winning try came out of nowhere, and Cameron Munster’s incredible play stopped Cleary’s 40/20 attempt in its tracks. Even Jonah Pezet limping off with a groin injury didn’t dampen the Storm’s momentum. It was a match that forced the Panthers into a golden point struggle, showing just how high the stakes are as we near the finals.
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Beyond the on-field drama, the off-field moves are equally interesting. Melbourne has been working hard to lock down its key stars, with Jahrome Hughes already re-signed. Now, attention has turned to Coates, whose contract officially runs out at the end of 2026. Reports suggest negotiations have begun for an extension that would keep him at the club through 2027. The timing couldn’t be more strategic, because this extension could open the door for a potential move to the new PNG NRL team entering the league in 2028. Coates’ heritage and his ties to the PNG national side are likely to be major factors in his decision when the time comes.
Looking at the bigger picture, the 2025 NRL ladder is shaping up to be fiercely competitive. Canberra Raiders are sitting at the top with 40 points from 21 games, while the Storm are right behind with 38 points from the same number of matches. Penrith, sitting fourth, are still in contention, but it’s clear that Melbourne’s spine, including Coates and Munster, is being carefully strengthened for the push toward the finals. Every try, every field goal, and every strategic retention deal is shaping how the ladder could look as we approach the business end of the season.
So, whether it’s the adrenaline of the games or the chess match of player contracts, the Storm are making sure they stay a force to be reckoned with. Fans will be keeping a close eye on Coates’ extension and how the ladder continues to evolve—because with performances like the one against Penrith, the Storm are proving that they’re not just playing to finish high on the ladder; they’re playing to dominate.
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