sports

Storm rocked as Coates sidelined for 3 months amid salary cap saga

Xavier Coates will miss the start of the 2026 NRL season after an Achilles injury, leaving Melbourne Storm without a key player amid the Zac Lomax salary cap controversy.

Xavier Coates has been ruled out for three months after suffering an Achilles injury, meaning Melbourne Storm will miss a key forward at the start of the 2026 NRL season.

The announcement comes amid the club’s ongoing Zac Lomax salary cap saga, adding further pressure on Storm’s management as they navigate the season’s challenges.