Xavier Coates Produces Try-Saving Tackle Of The Season After Running The Full Length Of The Field

I'll tell you what, the Melbourne Storm must be buzzing that they managed to pick up Xavier Coates for next season.

The outbound Brisbane Broncos winger produced another moment of magic during his side's 46-0 hammering at the hands of the Rabbitohs.

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Coates was unable to get on the scoresheet himself, but one incident in particular proved just how valuable he is in defence.

With the Bunnies leading by 12 points to nil just before the end of the first half, the towering winger was forced to spring into action when Souths star Dane Gagai intercepted the ball.

With nothing but green grass and the try line in sight, Gagai looked destined to score and extend his side's lead even further.

But unfortunately for Gagai, his Queensland Maroons teammate was on hand to ensure that didn't happen.

As Gagai pinned his ears back, Coates was in pursuit of him and quickly emerged at the bottom of the frame.

Bunnies centre Gagai crossed the half way line and he edged closer to a valuable 4 points, but as he looked over his shoulder Coates was breathing down his neck.

And even though Rabbitohs winger Alex Johnston awkwardly crossed over his flight path, Coates still managed to catch up to Gagai and wrap him up with a perfectly-timed try-saving tackle just inches from the line.

The effort to not give up was one thing, but to have enough gas left in the tank to take Gagai out of bounds made the play that extra bit special.

"What a tackle, wow Xavier Coates," Billy Slater said in the commentary box.

"We know he's got wheels but he had to get around Alex Johnston and then ran Gagai down.

"Look where Xavier Coates comes from, around Johnston and he comes in just in time."

Queensland legend Paul Vautin was equally as impressed.

"That's as good as I've seen this year from anyone," he said.

"He got a little check too trying to get around the other horse, and he came around strongly and saved the try, beautiful stuff, that's got to lift Brisbane's spirits."

The excellent solo effort was unable to galvanise the Broncos, though, who still remain rock-bottom of the NRL ladder with just three wins from their 15 games.

Topics: Brisbane Broncos, Rugby League, nrl, Australia

Max Sherry

Max Sherry is a journalist for SPORTbible Australia. After migrating Down Under from London as a teenager, he instantly fell in love with Aussie sport and its culture. From NRL to AFL, cricket to rugby — you name it, Max watches it (with a beer in hand, of course). During his time at Fox Sports, he worked in the football department covering the Premier League, A-League, Socceroos and Matildas. Born a stone's throw away from West Ham's training ground, Max is obviously a die-hard Liverpool fan.

@maxysherry