Coates has always been noted for his attacking speed and strength, as well as his aerial abilities.

However, questions have been raised about the 23-year-old’s defence.

Coates made two tremendous tackles late in the contest in the space of a minute, the latest of which dislodged the ball from second-rower Liam Martin, keeping the Panthers scoreless as Melbourne won 8-0.

“He’s probably had one of the best pre-seasons that a player can have at this club,” Warbrick said of Coates.

“I’ve seen the work he’s put into his game, obviously the high balls and so on, but he’s also worked hard defensively with his readings and physicality.

“To see it coming off in a pretty crucial time of the game, it’s pretty inspiring for myself and also the rest of the team.

“Warbrick, who had a breakout season last year after his move across from Sevens where he won an Olympic silver medal with New Zealand, said he worked together with Coates to improve their games. “I’m the same boat, I had a few things I needed to work on and defence was one of them so we made a point of working on it together,” the 26-year-old said. “It’s probably not just the wingers but our edge as the statistics showed that we weren’t great in the area so we definitely had a focus on rebuilding that and I think it showed on the weekend.”

The Storm will again be without star playmaker Cameron Munster, who continues to battle a groin issue, with youngster Jonah Pezet wearing No.6.

“We were happy with our defence and our scramble to be able to keep such a good team like Penrith to zero points,” Hughes said.

“It’s good to do it one week but we need to be consistent with that as that’s something we weren’t very good with last year so we’re going to focus on that.”