NRL 2022: Broncos winger Corey Oates admits he is playing for his NRL future

Broncos winger Corey Oates says he has paid a big price ignoring one crucial component of his game. But with a new attitude, the veteran says he’s hellbent on getting a new contract.

Broncos winger Corey Oates has admitted his NRL career is on the ropes and candidly confessed he only has himself to blame as he fights for his future at Red Hill.

Oates will enter his 10th season at the Broncos this year off-contract and without certainty of where his NRL future lies.

At 27, he theoretically still has at least a few good years left in him and has overcome the mental struggles of the toughest two seasons of his career.

Oates revealed he contemplated retirement during the debacles of 2020-21 as the Broncos slumped to bottom four finishes and he found himself languishing in the Intrust Super Cup.

After seemingly falling out-of-favour with coach Kevin Walters last year, Oates fought his way back into Brisbane’s NRL team and managed 14 top grade appearances.

But he is now on audition in 2022 and facing the prospect of having to leave his beloved Broncos to continue his NRL career if he can’t convince Brisbane powerbrokers he is worthy of a new contract.

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Corey Oates will enter his 10th season at the Broncos this year. Picture: Getty Images

A veteran of 170 games for the Broncos, Oates said he questioned his future over the past two years but is now intent on securing a new deal at Red Hill.

“If you asked me a while ago I would have been pretty hesitant (to keep playing) because I wasn’t feeling great, but that’s because I was doing bugger all for myself,” he said.

“Now I feel good and doing the little things is a big difference.

“Looking after your body is a big thing for me. I’ve learnt a lot the last 12-16 months doing it.

“I feel good and think I can last a lot longer now.

“This year means a lot. This is my future this year.

“I’m off-contract and my performances will be everything.”

Corey Oates is intent on securing a new deal with the Broncos. Picture: Getty Images

Oates made his NRL debut for the Broncos in 2013 and quickly became a try-scoring sensation out wide, having crossed 98 times.

He debuted for Queensland in the 2016 State of Origin series and overcame injury struggles to play at least 20 NRL games in every season from 2014-19.

But the Broncos’ wooden spoon capitulation in 2020 coincided with his form dipping and he was in-and-out of the team again last year.

Having undergone numerous surgeries and been hospitalised with serious infections, Oates said he neglected his body and paid the price.

“It’s been a tough few years, not only for the team but also myself on the field,” he said.

Corey Oates has scored 98 tries for the Broncos. Picture: NRL Images

“I haven’t looked after my body. I’ve sort of just moped around and not dealt with all the change too well.

“That’s affected my performances a lot. I just went along with it and did the bare minimum.

“I’ve changed a lot in the last six months.

“At the back end of last year I started doing a lot of extra things for myself and my body. I wish I did it two years ago when things got pretty tough.

“I’m really happy with where I’m progressing. I feel good again and I’m getting my speed, strength and power.

“If I can stay healthy and fit, it will be a pretty good year.”

Broncos

With fellow wingers Selwyn Cobbo and Jamayne Isaako sidelined due to Covid protocols, Oates has had the opportunity to hit the ground running in 2022.

He received some special treatment from Broncos trainers during the first session of the year but said he was in good shape for the final six weeks of pre-season training before trials.

“I did a bit too much training in the break. The old boy came back a bit sore,” he said.

“I’m all good. It’s nothing to worry about. It’s a bit of a back nerve. It’s popped up every now and then but goes away quickly.

“It’s a big year for me but I’m confident.”