Corey Oates in battle to remain at Brisbane Broncos
DESPITE his standing as a four-game Queensland Origin campaigner and one of the code’s best finishers, Corey Oates has yet to receive a formal offer from the Broncos for next season.
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QUEENSLAND Origin hardman Josh McGuire has appealed for the Broncos to re-sign Corey Oates as the towering winger fights for his future at Red Hill.
Oates is off-contract at season’s end and will make a swift return against the Knights on Saturday in Newcastle after missing last week’s shock loss to the Titans with a hip injury.
In his absence, the Broncos appreciated what they missed on the left flank, with his replacement Jonus Pearson amassing just 68m as he struggled to replicate Oates’ damaging kick returns.
Despite his standing as a four-game Queensland Origin campaigner and one of the code’s best finishers, Oates has yet to receive a formal offer from the Broncos for next season.
The Broncos face salary-cap headaches to retain several off-contract top-liners, including props Matt Lodge and Tevita Pangai Jr, but McGuire urged Brisbane hierarchy to make Oates’ retention a priority.
“I’d hate to see Corey leave,” McGuire said.
“He is a great mate of mine and a fantastic football player.
“He and his partner are a big part of this club. I understand it’s a business these days and you have to look after yourself and your family but I don’t want him to go.
“In my opinion, a good winger is just as valuable as any other position.
“The winger is often the forgotten man in the team but they start your sets off and under the high ball, I’d rather be in the middle than doing what Corey has to do on the wing.”
Oates, who injured his hip flexor against the Tigers in Round 3, ran without discomfort on Wednesday at training, rubberstamping his comeback for the Knights clash.
The jury remains out on Pangai Jr (hamstring), who has been named on an extended bench after missing last week’s loss to the Titans.
In pre-season, Oates stunned the Broncos by revealing his desire to switch from the wing to the back row.
Broncos coach Wayne Bennett has played hardball with Oates, continuing to pick him on the flanks, but McGuire hopes the former Maroons ace’s desire to become a forward doesn’t force him out of the club.
“We are a better team having Corey out there,” he said.
“It’s hard, you have to find a spot for everyone in the team.
“Corey made it clear he wants to play back row but he’s a world-class winger. I’m sure he will eventually get an opportunity to play in the back row.
“If I’m a winger, I wouldn’t want to be tackling Corey Oates. He is a good football player and brings a lot to our team that isn’t measured by statistics.”
Languishing in 10th spot, the Broncos face a testing road trip to face a vastly improved Newcastle side.
Maroons lock McGuire admits it’s time for Brisbane’s pack to muscle up.
“We let a good opportunity slip and we have to make sure we turn up this week,” he said.
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Originally published as Corey Oates in battle to remain at Brisbane Broncos