Coates-Olam Combo Building

 “It’s pretty crazy if you look at the highlights of some of the runs Justin Olam had and the tackles he made which made an impact straight away.

“It’s good playing alongside Juzzy on the same edge.

“He makes me feel really comfortable in defence and I feel like I’m not stressing if there’s any play that unfolds."

Coates-Olam combo building

March 30, 2023The NationalSports

By PARKER TAMBUA

PAPUA New Guinea internationals Justin Olam and Xavier Coates will face-off with fellow Kumul Alex Johnston when the South Sydney Rabbitohs host the Melbourne Storm at Accor Stadium in Sydney tomorrow night (7pm kick-off).

The Port Moresby-born Storm winger Xavier Coates said yesterday that he felt comfortable when playing alongside his countryman (Olam) on the same edge in National Rugby League’s (NRL) round 4 win over Wests Tigers in Melbourne last week.

Kumul No.294, Johnston, was named at No.2 for the Bunnies while Olam and Coates will wear No.4 and No.5 respectively for the Storm.

Bellamy has opted to use Olam and Coates on the same edge and both men will face speedster in Johnston on the opposite edge.

Coates is confident the Storm will be able to register their third win of the season despite a mixed start with the club having recorded two wins and two losses so far.

“I wouldn’t say it is an ideal month (March) of footy we intend to have but we have an opportunity this Friday against the Rabbitohs,” Coates said.

“Rabbitohs are quality opposition, they come off a great win over Manly Sea Eagles last week.

“They are looking good this year so it would be good to go against them and showcase what we can do against a quality side.

“It was pretty tough situation for me at the World Cup last year.

“I really wanted to represent my country PNG but I ended up tearing my hamstring so I had to come back to Melbourne and go straight into rehab.

“The staff at the Storm are some of the best at what they do and they really helped me get back in shape to return to the NRL.

“Something that I want to pride myself a bit more is my defence. Here at the Storm we want to be a great defensive team because that’s what win games.

“If there’s any opportunity to make an impact in the game with defence especially my kick chase I will try to do that for the team.

“I was lucky that a few of my kick chases came off with few drop balls from the opposition winger but I’m not going to look back on that, this is a new week with new opportunity so I’m looking forward to what I can do to help the team.

“It’s pretty crazy if you look at the highlights of some of the runs Justin Olam had and the tackles he made which made an impact straight away.

“It’s good playing alongside Juzzy on the same edge.

“He makes me feel really comfortable in defence and I feel like I’m not stressing if there’s any play that unfolds.

“Hopefully, we can do the same against the Rabbitohs just like what we did against the Tigers.”