Brisbane Bronco Corey Oates announces retirement from rugby league
Brisbane Broncos winger Corey Oates has announced his retirement from rugby league. LISTEN TO HIS ANNOUNCEMENT
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Brisbane Broncos winger Corey Oates has announced his retirement from rugby league.
Speaking to Robin and Kip on KIIS 97.3FM this morning, Oates said he’d known for a little while that it was time to go.
“Today I’ll be announcing my retirement from rugby league. It’s a hard one, but I guess I’ve known for a little while. It’s a bit more emotional than I expected,” he said.
He said he’d loved playing rugby league as a kid in Baralaba, but never believed he’d end up playing for a living.
His contract with the Broncos, which was set to expire at the end of this year’s season, left the veteran winger facing an uncertain future.
However, the 29-year-old revealed that even if the Broncos had offered an extension, he would likely have still stepped away, citing the toll of more than a decade of professional play on his body.
When asked by Bailey whether the arrival of new head coach Michael Maguire might have secured a contract renewal, Oates firmly said it wouldn’t have changed his decision.
“Even if I was [offered something] … the last 18 months for me has been pretty painful, the constant pain, it’s really played a big toll on me and my decision.”
He also emphasised how important his family was in reaching his decision, explaining his desire to be more present in their lives.
“Having the kids, Monte and Hux, and just wanting to be a part of their life as much as I can when I’m older is a part of the decision in the end, too,” he said.
Oates is married to Tegan Miles and has two children Montana, 5, and Huxton, 2.
Reflecting on his retirement, Oates admitted he’d been emotional as he looked back on everything accomplished throughout his career.
“It was emotional coming in today because this is definitely it, but I’m really proud of everything I’ve achieved,” he said.
“Growing up in a small country town, Biloela, you never thought you would come to the big city to play the game you watched on TV. You just never thought that was ever going to be a possibility as a kid.
“It’s been the best journey and the most incredible ride of my life - to get to 216 games for the Broncos is something I never thought was going to be possible.”
Oates also holds an impressive legacy, sitting as the Broncos’ third all-time leading try scorer, with 121 tries, just behind NRL legend Darren Lockyer.
Several of Oates’ NRL colleagues and close mates sent their well-wishes to the newly retired Broncos star, which were played on air.
Among them was Broncos captain and close friend, Adam Reynolds, who shared a lighthearted farewell message.
“Hey, Gary. Just want to congratulate you on an amazing career,” Reynolds began.
“I don’t know what I’ll miss most - our coffee dates, cricket on the mats, or the sh*t chat you tossed up in the sauna. What I do know is you’ve been a great teammate through my team.”
Reynolds continued with a playful jab at Oates’ evolution over the years: “More importantly, (since) you started as a chubby second-rower, you’ve become a husband, a father, and a sh*t golfer. Enjoy retirement, mate. I look forward to a few more schooners in the near future. All the best. Love you, champ.”
Even Broncos coaching legend Wayne Bennett shared a brief but heartfelt message.
“You challenged me with a few of your antics but the bottom line was, I thought we always had a good rapport and you played some wonderful football,” he said.
“I always enjoyed coaching you. So well done and enjoy your day”.
To keep his emotions in check, Oates revealed he’d picked up a few tricks to avoid tearing up today, including pressing his tongue to the roof of his mouth and shuffling his feet.
“Those tricks I looked up, they’re working, but I feel the emotions coming through every time I stop doing them,” he joked.
But it was an emotional message from Oates’ wife Tegan and his five-year-old daughter Montana that opened the floodgates.
“Monte, Huxley and I are incredibly proud of you and all you’ve accomplished. We’ve been fortunate to celebrate so many milestones together, even if you tend to shy away from recognition, you truly deserve every bit of it,” Tegan said.
“But what fills me with the most pride is the husband and father you’ve become. Thank you for letting me be a part of this journey over the past nearly 10 years. It hasn’t always been easy, but watching you live out your childhood dream has made it all worthwhile. The best is yet to come. We adore you.”
Daughter Montana added: “We’re so proud of you daddy, we love you”.
Oates’ career began in Round 17 of the 2013 NRL season, debuting against the Melbourne Storm.
His second match saw him score his first NRL try against the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks, marking the start of what would become an illustrious tenure with the Broncos.
He started his professional career with aspirations of becoming a backrower, but spent the bulk of his career on the wing.
It was that position in which he earned nine Origin caps for Queensland from 2016 to 2022, and went on to play 216 games for Brisbane.
His 121 club tries is third on the overall standings, behind Steve Renouf (142) and Darren Lockyer (122).
The announcement comes after the departure of coach Kevin Walters just 12 months after he steered the Broncos to the 2023 NRL decider.
Walters was replaced by former NSW Blues coach Maguire, with his appointment part of a bid to break Brisbane’s 19-year premiership drought.
The Broncos experienced a stunning fall from grace in the 2024 season, with the club languishing in 12th place on the ladder.
Originally published as Brisbane Bronco Corey Oates announces retirement from rugby league
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