Broncos veteran Corey Oates is reportedly frustrated by his omission from Kevin Walters side and his allocation to Brisbane’s new feeder club.
The 29-year-old was once again left out of Brisbane’s 17 when team lists were released on Tuesday, with Jesse Arthars and Deine Mariner being selected on the wings.
Oates has been allocated to the Burleigh Bears for the 2024 season and is reportedly angered he is being forced to travel 110km from his house in Brisbane according to The Courier Mail.
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The Broncos have two more affiliated clubs within Brisbane in Wynnum Manly and Souths Logan, with both being a shorter distance to travel.
Oates was a late scratching from the Bears’ season-opening clash against Norths Devils and reportedly won’t take the field against Townsville this week.
The 201-game veteran has reportedly sat down with Walters regarding his omission from the NRL team.
“Corey didn’t play on the weekend (for Burleigh) and I don’t think he will play this weekend either,” Walters said.
“We are just keeping him fresh. I just feel at the moment I want to go with our other two wingers in Deine and Jesse (Arthars).
“It’s hard for Corey, he’s not playing at the moment, but that’s not to say he won’t be back for us at some stage this season.”
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Oates’ current contract runs until the end of 2024 and it remains to be seen whether he will earn an extension to remain at the Red Hill club.
He remains as the only player left from the Broncos’ 2015 grand final team and is ranked fourth on Brisbane’s all-time tryscorers list.
Oates only featured nine times in 2023, having suffered a broken jaw and a knee injury before being dropped prior to the finals series.
When asked if Oates will feature for the Bears Walters remained coy and said: “He will get his opportunities, but he just has to be patient.”
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