3 minute read
Xavier Coates has been recalled to the Brisbane side after a month-long hiatus from the NRL team following his signing with Melbourne.
Xavier Coates' month-long NRL exile is over after being recalled to Brisbane's wing to face the Sydney Roosters on Friday night.
The Queensland star has been overlooked for a spot in the Broncos side for the past four rounds after signing a deal to join Melbourne from next season.
The 20-year-old hasn't played a game since State of Origin III on July 14 but is one of several changes made by coach Kevin Walters for the Roosters clash.
Teammate Danny Levi said Coates hasn't kicked stones in the time he's been out and deserves his recall.
"He's been unreal, very professional," Levi said on Tuesday.
"It's hard to come back from State of Origin and not be playing but he's done really well.
"He's kept his head down, trained hard. He's been really good about it."
Salford-bound Brodie Croft has been dropped with Albert Kelly recalled at halfback, while Selwyn Cobbo, Tom Flegler and TC Robati have also been named in the side.
Kelly played 20 minutes from the bench in a 28-20 loss to Newcastle last week in his return from a hamstring injury.
"I like the way Albie plays, he's a real eyes-up sort of player, really good runner with the ball, very dangerous," Levi said.
"I know he can create a lot of opportunities for himself and he's an exciting player to watch."
Canberra duo Ryan James and Corey Horsburgh have been loaned to Canterbury for the next fortnight to bolster the seriously depleted Bulldogs pack.
On Tuesday props Dylan Napa (three games) and Jack Hetherington (two games) accepted early-guilty pleas for their MRC charges.
English enforcer Luke Thompson is still suspended, while Renouf Atoni returned to Sydney to attend the birth of his child, which has left the Bulldogs without a starting pack to face the Warriors.
The loan deal was finalised after Bulldogs new general manager of football Phil Gould made a request for James and Horsburgh.
"It's been a tough year for the club, but the coach and players want to continue being competitive right until the very last siren rings out," Gould said.
"In our hour of need, to have another NRL club show us such support, typifies the unity amongst all NRL clubs in these difficult times.
"Hopefully it's never needed, but if the opportunity ever arises one day, we will be certain to return the favour."
Joey Lussick has been named for Parramatta in place of Reed Mahoney in Saturday night's top-four showdown with Manly.
