NRL Injury News 2023: Brisbane Broncos star Corey Oates suffers knee injury in freak setback

Brisbane star Corey Oates is set for another stint on the sideline after an unfortunate setback at training, ahead of his planned 200th game, that he fears will require surgery.

Corey Oates pictured at the Brisbane Broncos training in Red Hill, Brisbane May 1st 2023. (Image/Josh Woning)

Broncos veteran Corey Oates says he may require surgery after suffering a freak training setback that has scuppered his planned 200th game celebrations against Canterbury on Saturday.

Oates was set to chalk up a double ton of NRL matches for the Broncos in Brisbane’s round 20 road trip to face the Bulldogs at Belmore Sports Ground.

But Oates’ 200th-game honour has been put on ice after the former Queensland Origin winger injured his knee at Broncos training on Wednesday.

Corey Oates’ planned 200th game celebrations have been scuppered by a knee injury. Picture: NRL Imagery

Mr Reliable Jesse Arthars is set to replace Oates on the wing and the 28-year-old concedes he may be forced to go under the knife after scans revealed meniscus damage in his knee.

“It’s pretty disappointing especially with it being my 200th game,” Oates said.

“I don’t know exactly how bad it is, I might need surgery so we’ll wait and see.

“I’ve got to see the surgeon and we’ll see what happens from there.

“It wasn’t one incident. I had training (on Wednesday) and that may have stirred something up in my knee.

“It stopped me running at training (on Wednesday) and my knee has been giving me a bit of grief for a few weeks.

Oates is a powerhouse winger but has had a rough injury run in 2023. Picture: Getty

“I got a cork against the Titans and from that it just didn’t feel right.

“A few things over the last few weeks made me think maybe I’ve done something a while ago and maybe I had a bigger tear at training.

“I need to see the specialist to see if it’s a brand new injury or whether it’s something I’ve had for a while.”

Oates’ scratching continues an injury-ravaged 2023 campaign for the fifth most prolific tryscorer in Broncos history.

Oates’ injury opens the door for Jesse Arthars to return to the starting lineup. Picture: Getty

Oates, who has scored 118 tries for the Broncos, has played just seven games this season after breaking his jaw against the Cowboys in round two, before injuring his knee in his comeback match against the Eels in round eight.

“It’s just frustrating,” he said.

“The thing that has pissed me off is the injuries I’ve had this year, there was my broken jaw and then I did my knee when I came back.

“It’s a shame not to play my 200th but that will come eventually, hopefully it will be a home game at the Gabba or Suncorp.

“They haven’t told me if I need surgery yet, but I’ve had knee cleanouts before, so it’s not the biggest operation.”

Corey Oates is closing in on Broncos legend Steve Renouf as Brisbane’s greatest tryscorer. Picture: Getty

Broncos high performance chief Dave Ballard confirmed Oates’ injury.

“’Oatesy’ had an MRI at the Clive Berghofer Centre Qscan facility which confirmed he has damaged the meniscus in his knee,” he said.

“We will consult a specialist this afternoon to determine the next step in his rehab.”

Last year Oates earned a State of Origin recall for Queensland and scored a career-high 20 tries for the season to take his career tally to 118, just 24 behind club legend and record holder Steve Renouf.

“I feel pretty proud of myself to have got this far,” Oates said.

“A few years ago everyone was writing me off and I probably deserved it. I am happy to have turned things around and be playing consistent footy. I’ve never loved it more.”

Originally published as NRL Injury News 2023: Brisbane Broncos star Corey Oates suffers knee injury in freak setback