Brisbane coach Kevin Walters has once again insisted departing winger Xavier Coates will feature for the Broncos again in 2021.
Coates hasn't been sighted in a Broncos jersey since returning to the NRL club after Queensland's State of Origin III triumph last month.
The Melbourne-bound winger, who'll join the Storm from next year on a two-season deal, was overlooked for Brisbane's clash with Newcastle at Suncorp Stadium on Thursday - despite Kotoni Staggs' season-ending knee injury opening up a spot in the backline.
Walters has instead selected Jesse Arthars to replace Staggs, saying he doesn't want to shift either Corey Oates or Jamayne Isaako from the wing spots they've occupied in recent weeks.
"There's no story with Xavier, we're very happy with the form of Jermayne Isaako on the right wing and Corey Oates on the left wing," Walters said.
"I keep saying we know he's a good player, he's an even better person, so we would like to think that Xavier can get a couple of games in at Broncos before he departs at the end of the year.
"He's been a lot better this week around the group, Xavier, I think he's got his head around the position that he's in and he's working with all of us to try and get that win tomorrow night.
"He understands the situation that we're in at the moment with those two guys playing some really good footy and a winning footy team."
Walters said he was unaware of the future status of half Brodie Croft, who has been linked with a move to the English Super League at the end of the season.
"I'm not aware of that. That could be happening but that's not in my lane," Walters said.
"I'm sticking in my lane which is coaching this team."
