How Storm's high-flying winger Xavier Coates could play decisive role in NRL grand final

Brisbane will be desperate to limit the impact of the Melbourne player known for his aerial ability and eye-catching corner tries

The top comment on an Instagram video from six weeks ago said it succinctly. The vision showed the uncanny ability of Melbourne Storm's towering winger Xavier Coates to leap into the air and catch the ball over his opponent, then put it down for a try. "NRL needs to patch this glitch," one user said.

The NRL changed the rules in 2020 to penalise a defender tackling a player who caught a ball in the air in the name of safety. In recent years the accurate kick to the corner towards a flying winger has become a staple of the sport.