Darren Lockyer says Corey Oates’ pursuit to play back-row could cost him his Origin jumper

MAROONS powerbrokers have warned Corey Oates his Origin career is in jeopardy if the Queensland winger persists with plans to make a permanent move to the forwards.

Corey Oates has a desire to play in the back-row. (AAP Image/Glenn Hunt)

MAROONS powerbrokers have warned Corey Oates his Origin career is in jeopardy if the Queensland winger persists with plans to make a permanent move to the forwards.

A defiant Oates admits he is prepared to “piss off everyone”, including his Broncos coach Wayne Bennett, in his unrelenting desire to become a full-time back-rower for Brisbane and Queensland.

Overlooked for the first two Origin games this season, Oates gets a chance to reignite his Queensland career when he runs out on the left wing this Wednesday night at Suncorp Stadium.

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Corey Oates has a desire to play in the back-row. (AAP Image/Glenn Hunt)

But not even a recall to the Queensland team as a winger and a $30,000 payday for Origin III is sufficient reward to convince Oates to abandon his dream of playing in the forwards.

Maroons selector Darren Lockyer on Friday night revealed that Oates stands to lose his place in the Queensland Origin team by joining the fierce competition for back-row spots at the Broncos.

“The risk for Corey to consider if that he wants to chase a career in the back row, he could lose his Origin jumper,” Lockyer said.

“That’s his decision if he wants to pursue a permanent career in the back row, but I just hope Corey understands that he can provide just as much value to a team as a winger.

Darren Lockyer says Oates’ pursuit to play in the forwards could cost him his Origin jumper. Pic: Peter Wallis

“I think Corey will have a longer NRL career on the wing and he will play more rep football for Queensland on the wing.

“Corey’s body has been pretty good to him in recent years and I think that has something to do with him playing on the wing.

“I can’t knock Corey for his passion in wanting to be a back-rower. If he wants to chase that dream, good luck to him, but most people would say, ‘Corey, why do you want to move when you have such a great standing in the game on the wing?’

“He’s a wonderful winger and one of the best finishers I’ve ever seen.”

Oates has excelled in his career on the wing for Brisbane. (AAP Image/Craig Golding)

Oates remains off-contract at season’s end and Bennett has made it clear he has no plans to move the 23-year-old from Brisbane’s left wing, even if he signs a new deal with the Broncos.

The back-row is Brisbane’s strongest position, with young guns Jaydn Su’A and David Fifita supporting senior duo Matt Gillett and Alex Glenn.

Oates, however, is determined to change Bennett’s mind and believes while he has initially lost the battle, he can win the war with the super coach.

“I’m not giving up hope (of playing back row), I will piss everyone off,” he said with a laugh.

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“I always ask Wayne (to move to the forward) and he gives me a smirk.

“I will keep trying to change his mind. I’m a pest. I’m never going to stop.

“Wayne likes me now, it’s taken me three years. I’m not going to stop. It’s always an option (to play wing), but I’m still pretty confident I can change his mind.

“I like training there and I feel the back row brings more out of me than the wing does.

“I’m not the quick-off-the-mark bloke, I’m the slow-off-the-mark powerful guy.

“I feel like a forward. I would love to move back, but I will play my best footy wherever I play.”

Oates makes his return after being dropped last year. Picture: Gregg Porteous

Lockyer believes Oates can still attract a lucrative NRL contract playing on the wing.

“Some players get caught up in thinking a back-rower can earn a lot more money than wingers, but Corey is worth more as a high-quality winger than potentially diluting his impact as a back-rower,” he said.

“His metres-gained are incredible and he won’t score as many tries in the back row. Corey also has to weigh up his body and whether the effort-on-effort stuff in the forwards could cut short his career.”

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