Coates’ decision must be respected, says Marum

By PATRICIA KEAMO
KUMULS coach Michael Marum says the decision of Papua New Guinea international Xavier Coates, who is eligible to play for Australia, must be respected ahead of this year’s Rugby League World Cup in England. Broncos winger Coates has been a revelation in the National Rugby League, scoring 11 tries since his debut for Brisbane in round 16 of the 2019 season.
The 20-year-old has since gone on to score two tries in two games for the Queensland Maroons.
“I have not spoken to Xavier or Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga yet, but he is eligible to play for Australia,” Marum told The National.
“Coates is eligible to play for either Australia or Papua New Guinea.
“But that’s his decision to make.
“He will have to decide which team he will play for (in the World Cup) but as the Kumuls coach, I will let him focus on the NRL season with his team.”
Against the Canterbury Bulldogs on Saturday, Coates – who debut for the Kumuls in the 2019 Oceania Cup – scored a double to help Broncos end a 13-game losing streak in the NRL.
Given his performances, there is a possibility for his inclusion in the Kangaroos squad, however, no official comment has been made by Coates or Meninga.