NRL 2021: Gold Coast Titans make huge offer for Brisbane Broncos winger Xavier Coates

Broncos star Xavier Coates has been tipped to join Melbourne next year, but the Gold Coast Titans have made a huge attempt to snare the Origin winger’s signature.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA – APRIL 30: Xavier Coates of the Broncos is seen after scoring a try during the round 8 NRL match between the Brisbane Broncos and the Gold Coast Titans at Suncorp Stadium, on April 30, 2021, in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

The Gold Coast Titans have not given up hope of snaring Origin star Xavier Coates after tabling the richest deal of the four clubs jostling for the Broncos winger’s signature.

Coates is expected to make a decision on where his future lies over the weekend and has been widely-tipped to join reigning premiers Melbourne on a two-year deal from 2022.

However the Broncos and Titans believe they are still in the hunt for Coates, whose management has insisted the speedster is yet to make a formal decision on his future.

The Titans have tabled a two-year contract worth more than $1 million, dwarfing the deal on offer from Melbourne.

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Xavier Coates has huge interest from the Titans. Digital image by Nathan Hopkins/NRL Photos

The Broncos’ proposal is around $500,000-a-season while the Cowboys are believed to be outsiders in the battle for Coates.

Titans coach Justin Holbrook said he was in the dark about the Coates situation but admitted his speed would be an asset for the Gold Coast.

“I haven’t heard, I’m only going off what I’ve seen,” he said.

“Melbourne seems his preferred option so I wouldn’t be surprised if he goes there. We don’t know.

“He is very fast. Josh Addo-Carr (Storm winger) showed with a bit of speed you can score some tries (six against Souths), it’s a pretty good asset.”

Coates’ manager Nash Dawson met with Broncos boss Dave Donaghy on Friday and assured the club Coates had not made a final decision.

Coates has strong ties to the Gold Coast, having grown up in the region, and the Storm are privately concerned about the Titans’ bid.

Coates made his State of Origin debut last year. Picture: Nigel Hallett

Broncos players have also got in Coates’ ear since a report broke on Wednesday that he would be signing with the Storm, urging him to remain at Red Hill and help rebuild Brisbane under coach Kevin Walters.

Broncos prop Payne Haas said the ultra-successful Storm were an attractive proposition, but he hoped Coates would remain loyal to Brisbane.

“It’s Xavier’s choice at the end of the day but we have a young guy that’s on the up,” he said.

“‘Kevvie’ is the right man for the job and Dave Donaghy has come in as new CEO. I feel like the club is going to be on the up again and get back to what the Broncos used to be.

“I understand how Xavier feels because I almost joined the Storm.

“Several of us guys have put faith in the Broncos, it’s got such a rich history, so hopefully Xavier wants to be part of making Brisbane a winning club again.”

Coates’ teammates are hoping he stays loyal to Brisbane. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Coates’ fellow winger at the Broncos, Corey Oates, said the 20-year-old had to do what was best for his future.

“Everyone would be chasing him, Melbourne is just the big name everyone is throwing out there,” Oates said.

“He is a young fella and I’m sure he knows what’s right and best for himself.

“It’s always great to keep young talent that you have coming through. You want to keep them as long as you can.

“At the end of the day it’s a business. Clubs all look at it the same way.

“As players it’s what we love to do. It’s our career. He’s got to think of all of that.

“He is a huge talent. Look at how big he is and he’s got more growth in him. I’m sure he will make the right decision.”