Oates celebrates Origin victory

Corey Oates dived over to score the try that sealed Queensland’s State of Origin series win in front of a sellout Suncorp Stadium crowd.

TRY TIME: Maroons player Corey Oates scores a spectacular try to wrap up game two of the Origin series at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday night. Picture: DAVE HUNT

EVEN in his childhood dreams, Corey Oates couldn't have scripted it any better - diving over to score the try that sealed Queensland's State of Origin series win in front of a sellout Suncorp Stadium crowd.

"It's always a dream but you never think it will happen," the Baralaba-born star said from his Brisbane home yesterday.

"It's a dream come true for me.

"I think everyone was over the moon to finish like that.

"Obviously sending Corey Parker out on a win was always in the back of our minds and so everyone was very happy to do that for him."

In just his second State of Origin

appearance, 21-year-old Oates put in another mature performance, helping out the Maroons' forwards with a number of committed carries, particularly in the first half.

But his greatest moment was to come in the 72nd minute of the game when he scored the try to put the game beyond doubt, giving Queensland a 26-16 lead.

Corey Oates (back right) with his dad Warren, sister Jenna, brother Matthew and mum Janette who were all at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday. Picture: CONTRIBUTED

"We set that play up for the first game. It didn't work for us then but we stuck with it and last night it came off and what a time for it to work," Oates said.

The towering winger said the atmosphere at Suncorp was unbelievable.

"You could hardly hear anything on the field," he said. "Normally I can leave the crowd out of it but it was just too loud to do that last night."

Oates, who will back up for the Brisbane Broncos in their NRL clash against the Bulldogs tomorrow, said Wednesday night's game was equally as physical and demanding as the series opener in Sydney three weeks before.

Twelve members of his family were at Suncorp to witness the magic and Oates climbed into the stands to embrace them at the end of the game.

Dad Warren said it was an incredible feeling.

"At his age, to be picked in the Origin team in the first place and then to win the series - that's huge.

"I'm really excited for him. It's something he will remember, that's for sure," he said.

Mum Janette said she was exhausted but ecstatic after the incredibly emotional night.

"It was unreal. I'm just so proud and so happy for him; it's something he's wanted all his life."

Originally published as Oates celebrates Origin victory