Xavier Coates chase-down the sole bright spot in Broncos 46-0 thrashing

Xavier Coates has put up a dazzling contender for chase-down of the season after denying a full-field breakaway to Dane Gagai.

Gagai assumed he had gotten away for his second try of the night in the Rabbitohs’ 46-0 thrashing of the Broncos after intercepting a pass deep in Bunnies territory late in the first half and tearing down the line.

Coates, who was metres behind, began his chase-down, but few would have expected what would come next.

Forced to navigate his way past Alex Johnston who appeared to partially interfere with his run, Coates ate up metres on Gagai and eventually crashed tackled him within centimetres of the line to deny the sure-fire try.

Coates’ chase-down of the season. (Nine)

The whole scene had Suncorp Stadium in raptures as the Broncos got around their big winger.

“What a tackle, wow Xavier Coates, we know he’s got wheels but he had to get around Alex Johnston and then ran Gagai down,” NRL great Billy Slater said.

“Look where Xavier Coates comes from, around Johnston and he comes in just in time.”

Queensland great Paul Vautin added: “That’s as good as I’ve seen this year from anyone, he got a little check too trying to get around the other horse, and he came around strongly and saved the try, beautiful stuff, that’s got to lift Brisbane’s spirits.

“I’m saying yes (It’s the best tackle of the year), it saved a try it was magnificent.”

Coates’ effort was the sole highlight for the Broncos who again looked a rabble in defence, made to look pedestrian by Souths’ ever-threatening attack.

Vautin described the 46-point massacre as “like stealing wheat off of blind chooks.”

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