Melbourne Storm winger Xavier Coates has been recognised for his outstanding 2025 season, taking out the Cameron Smith Player of the Year Award on Wednesday evening.
Coates was named the winner of the prestigious award at the Melbourne Storm Player of the Year Awards - presented by RedZed at CIEL The Venue in Melbourne’s CBD.
The accolade crowns an outstanding season for the 24-year-old, who scored 20 tries in 22 appearances for Storm in 2025. His impressive form earned him selection in the Dally M Team of the Year, while he also crossed for two tries in three State of Origin matches for Queensland.
Coates polled 33 votes to claim his second Cameron Smith Player of the Year Award, having previously won the honour in 2023. He finished ahead of Eli Katoa (30 votes), Stefano Utoikamanu (22 votes), and Harry Grant (18 votes).
Eli Katoa was named Best Forward of the Year following a powerful season, finishing with 19 tries from 26 games in 2025. Katoa was also named at second-row in the Dally M Team of the Year and has been selected in the Tonga squad for the upcoming Pacific Championships.
Ryan Papenhuyzen was awarded Best Back of the Year after another outstanding campaign. The fullback played 21 games in the purple jersey, scoring 15 tries and kicking 60 goals. His 36 points (four tries, 10 goals) against the Wests Tigers in Round 10 was the highest ever by a Storm player in a single game.
Grant Anderson capped off his excellent season in purple, by being named Most Improved Player of the Year, finishing 2025 with 11 tries from 24 games.
Storm captain Harry Grant was honoured with the Michael Moore Trophy – Club Person of the Year for his leadership and commitment both on and off the field. He also took home the Best Try of the Year Award, presented by TRADIE, for his unforgettable golden point-winning try against the Panthers.
Rising star Ativalu Lisati was named the Billy Slater Rookie of the Year. Lisati made 14 appearances in 2025 and earned selection on the bench for Sunday’s NRL Grand Final.
The Club also celebrated the success of its U21 Jersey Flegg team, who secured the 2025 title with a 38-16 win over the Panthers. Among the standout performers was Preston Conn, who received the Darren Bell Jersey Flegg U21 Player of the Year Award, presented by Citipower, adding to his recent NSWRL Jersey Flegg Player of the Year Award.
Victorian product Suilagi Tuimalutu-Brown celebrated his breakout season by being named the recipient of the Cooper Cronk Feeder Club of the Year Award and Melbourne Storm Academy Player of the Year Award. In Round 18, Tuimalutu-Brown became just the sixth Victorian to represent Storm at NRL level, making his debut against the Cowboys in Townsville.
Melbourne Storm also confirmed the departure of five players after the 2025 season. Grant Anderson, Bronson Garlick, Dean Ieremia and Coby Williamson will all be leaving the Club, with Storm thanking them for their dedication and contribution to the purple jersey.
Former Club Captain and 2020 Premiership player Christian Welch was also recognised for his fantastic and long-serving service to Storm, following his retirement earlier this year.
Melbourne Storm Player of the Year Award Winners:
Chairman's Award: Eryn Dimopoulos
Young Tonumaipea Harold Matthews U17s Player of the Year: Jactin Samaeli
Greg Brentnall SG Ball U19s Player of the Year: Cooper Clarke
Darren Bell Jersey Flegg U21s Player of the Year – presented by CitiPower: Preston Conn
Cooper Cronk Feeder Club Player of the Year Award: Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown
Melbourne Storm Academy Player of the Year: Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown
Best Try Award presented by TRADIE: Harry Grant
Billy Slater Rookie of the Year: Ativalu Lisati
Most Improved Player Award: Grant Anderson
RedZed Members Player of the Year: Eliesa Katoa
Michael Moore Trophy Club Person of the Year Award: Harry Grant
Best Forward of the Year Award: Eliesa Katoa
Best Back of the Year Award: Ryan Papenhuyzen
Cameron Smith Player of the Year Award Presented by RedZed: Xavier Coates
