Melbourne have used a shattering season-ending injury to star winger Xavier Coates as a spur for their thrilling 32-30 victory over Newcastle, taking a second big scalp in as many weeks.
In an action-packed Friday night match at AAMI Park, the Storm continued their climb back up the competition ladder with the win following last round's victory over the Sydney Roosters.
Jahrome Hughes piloted the team's attack, with the Kiwi Test No.7 adding a try and a try-assist to lead competition in the statistic despite the Melbourne's lean season.
Melbourne players found out before the match that Coates had ruptured his Achilles while running at training on Friday with Bellamy saying they all felt for the 25-year-old.
Coates had been hopeful of returning from a pre-season Achilles injury, which had also required surgery, in the coming weeks.
