Hubbry Logo
Corey OatesCorey OatesMain
Open search
Corey Oates
Community hub
Corey Oates
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Corey Oates
Corey Oates
Corey Oates
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Corey Oates (born 20 October 1994) is a former Australian professional rugby league footballer and radio presenter. He played as winger for the Brisbane Broncos in the National Rugby League (NRL). He currently co-hosts the KIIS 97.3 breakfast radio program "Robin, Kip with Corey Oates" alongside Robin Bailey and Kip Wightman.[4]

Key Information

Oates also represented Queensland in the State of Origin series.

Background

[edit]

Oates was born in Biloela, Queensland, Australia but was raised in the small town of Baralaba.[5]

He played his junior football for the Baralaba Panthers and attended St Brendan's College in Yeppoon before being signed by the Brisbane Broncos.[6]

He begain his radio career in late 2024 as co-host of KIIS 97.3's breakfast radio program, alongside Robin Bailey and Kip Wightman - which became titled "Robyn, Kip now with Corey Oates".[7]

Playing career

[edit]

Early career

[edit]

Oates played for the Brisbane Broncos NYC team in 2012–2013.

Oates playing for the Queensland under 20s in 2012

On 21 April 2012, Oates represented the Queensland Under 20s team against the New South Wales Under 20s, playing off the interchange bench in the 18–14 loss at Penrith Stadium.[8]

In 2013 he continued playing for the Brisbane Broncos in the under 20s and again represented the Queensland under 20s.[9]

In Round 17 of the 2013 NRL season, Oates made his NRL debut for the Brisbane Broncos against the Melbourne Storm, coming off the interchange bench in Brisbane's 32–0 loss at AAMI Park.[10][11] In his next match, in Round 18 against the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks at Suncorp Stadium, Oates scored his first NRL career try in Brisbane's 19–18 loss.[12] Oates finished his debut year in the NRL with him playing in 9 matches and scoring 8 tries for the Brisbane club in the 2013 NRL season. Oates was named the 2013 Brisbane Broncos season's rookie of the year.[13] On 27 August 2013, Oates was named at second-row in the 2013 NYC team of the year.[14]

2014

[edit]

Oates missed the first two matches of the season with a knee injury, returning in Round 3 against the Sydney Roosters, playing off the interchange bench in the 30–26 loss at Suncorp Stadium.[15] On 18 July 2014, Oates was demoted to the Queensland Cup along with Jack Reed and Daniel Vidot by coach Anthony Griffin after breaching team protocol with a mid-week boozing session.[16][17] Oates returned a week later in Round 20 against the Melbourne Storm, playing off the interchange bench in the 30–8 loss at Suncorp Stadium.[18] Oates finished the 2014 NRL season with him playing in 20 matches and scoring 5 tries. On 9 October 2014, Oates extended his contract with the Brisbane club, keeping him at the club until the end of the 2017 season.[19][20]

2015

[edit]

In Round 9 against the Penrith Panthers, Oates scored the winning try with two minutes to go in Brisbane's 8–5 win at Suncorp Stadium.[21] In Round 25, Oates scored a 95-metre try against the South Sydney Rabbitohs, fending off an attempted tackle from Dylan Walker in doing so in the 47–12 win at Sydney Football Stadium.[22] Leading into Brisbane's 2015 finals campaign, Oates would edge out Lachlan Maranta for the left wing spot after spending most of the season reverting from the wing to the interchange bench.[23] On 4 October 2015, Oates played in the 2015 NRL Grand Final against the North Queensland Cowboys, starting on the wing and scoring the first try of the match but later made a crucial defensive error on the final siren by running off his wing to tackle Michael Morgan with the ball who flicked the ball to the unmarked Kyle Feldt to tie up the scores at 16-all to send the match into golden point, during which Brisbane lost 17-16 after Cowboys captain Johnathan Thurston kicked the premiership sealing field goal for his club.[24][25] Oates finished the 2015 NRL season with him playing in 25 matches and scoring 14 tries.[26]

2016

[edit]

On 12 January 2016, Oates was selected in the QAS Emerging Maroons squad.[27] In February 2016, Oates was named in the Broncos 2016 NRL Auckland Nines squad, but was later ruled out.[28] In Round 7 against the Newcastle Knights, Oates scored his first career hat trick of tries in Brisbane's 53–0 win at Suncorp Stadium.[29] After showing some great try scoring form in the early rounds, Oates earn himself a wing spot for Queensland in the 2016 State of Origin series.[30] On 1 June 2016 Oates made his debut for Queensland in Game 1, on the wing in the Maroons low scoring 6–4 win at ANZ Stadium.[31] In Game 2 of the series, Oates scored his first try for the Maroons in the series winning 26–16 victory at Suncorp Stadium.[32] Oates finished the 2016 NRL season as Brisbane's highest tryscorer with 18 tries in 22 matches. On 20 September 2016, Oates was added to the Australia Kangaroos 2016 Four Nations train-on squad but later make the final 24-man squad.[33]

2017

[edit]

On 9 March 2017, Oates extended his contract with Brisbane to the end the 2018 NRL season.[34] After another solid start to the season, Oates was selected for Queensland on the wing for Game 1 of the 2017 State of Origin series, scoring the Maroons only try in the shock 28–4 loss against New South Wales at Suncorp Stadium.[35] Despite being the lone try scorer for Queensland, Oates was axed from the team for Game 2 in favour of Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks flyer Valentine Holmes in one of many omissions from the Maroons team.[36][37] In late June 2017, Oates was hospitalised with a staph infection that was affecting his lower body and was sidelined for six weeks.[38][39] Oates later made his return in Round 22 in the local derby match against the Gold Coast Titans, scoring a try in the 54-0 smashing win at Robina Stadium.[40] In Brisbane's do-or-die semifinal match against the Penrith Panthers, After scoring a try early in the match, Oates was on the receiving end of a sickening head clash by an accidental shoulder by teammate Anthony Milford and was knocked unconscious while they attempted to stop an attacking raid close to their tryline in the Broncos' 13–6 victory at Suncorp Stadium.[41] After suffering the heavy knock, Oates was later cleared of concussion and played in Brisbane's season-ending 30-0 preliminary final loss against the Melbourne Storm at AAMI Park.[42][43] Oates finished the 2017 NRL season with him playing in 21 matches and scoring 15 tries for Brisbane.

2018

[edit]

Before the start of the season, Oates made a request to switch from the wing to second-row due to his bigger frame being more suited to the forwards.[44] In March 2018, Oates who was off contract at the end of the year, attracted the attention of North Queensland and South Sydney for his signature and a promise of a permanent place in the forwards.[45][46] In Round 3 against the Wests Tigers, Oates played his 100th NRL career match in Brisbane's 9–7 win at Campbelltown Stadium.[47][48] Oates returned to State of Origin arena for game 3 after captain Greg Inglis was ruled out injured, playing on the wing in the 18–12 victory for Queensland.[49][50] In Round 25 against the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles, Oates scored four tries in the 48–16 win at Suncorp Stadium.[51] Oates finished the 2018 NRL season with him playing in 23 matches and being the club's highest tryscorer with 18 tries. On 4 December 2018, Oates agreed to a one-year extension to stay with Brisbane for the 2019 season after many months of speculation of where he would go beyond the end of the year.[52]

2019

[edit]

Oates made 22 appearances for Brisbane in the 2019 NRL season as the club finished 8th on the table and qualified for the finals. Oates played in the club's elimination final against Parramatta which Brisbane lost 58–0 at the new Western Sydney Stadium. The defeat was, at the time, the worst in Brisbane's history and also the biggest finals defeat in history. Oates finished the year as the club's top try scorer with 13 tries.[53][54][55]

2020

[edit]

Oates played 14 games for Brisbane in the 2020 NRL season as the club finished last on the table and claimed the wooden spoon for the first time in their history.[56]

2021

[edit]

Oates played 14 games for Brisbane in the 2021 NRL season scoring four tries as the club missed the finals.[citation needed]

2022

[edit]

In round 5 of the 2022 NRL season, Oates scored a hat-trick for Brisbane in their 24–20 loss to the Sydney Roosters.[57] In round 10, Oates scored two tries in a 38–0 victory over Manly.[58] In round 16, Oates scored two tries for Brisbane in their 40–26 loss against North Queensland in the Queensland derby.[59]

Oates would return to the Origin arena in the Game 3 Suncorp decider after North Queensland winger Murray Taulagi was ruled out due to COVID-19, helping Queensland win 22–12.[60] In round 19, Oates scored two tries for Brisbane in a 36–14 victory over Parramatta.[61] Oates played a total of 22 games throughout the year for Brisbane scoring 22 tries to finish as the clubs top try scorer for the season.[62]

2023

[edit]

Following Brisbane's round 2 victory over arch-rivals North Queensland, it was revealed that Oates had suffered a broken jaw during the match after a shoulder charge from Scott Drinkwater, which resulted in Drinkwater being suspended for 3 games. Oates was later ruled out for two months. Oates played a total of nine games for Brisbane in the 2023 NRL season. Oates was named as 18th man for Brisbane in the 2023 NRL Grand Final in which they lost 26-24. On 21 November, Oates re-signed with the Brisbane club for the 2024 season.[63][64]

2024

[edit]

Oates played 16 games in the 2024 season. On 10 October 2024, Oates announced his retirement from the NRL.[65] Oates had decided against testing the open market and cited his main reasons for retiring was to spend more time with his family and injuries.[66]

Post playing

[edit]

After retiring from the NRL, Oates became co-host of KIIS 97.3's breakfast radio program which became titled "Robin, Kip now with Corey Oates", alongside Robin Bailey and Kip Wightman .[67]

Statistics

[edit]
Year Team Games Tries Pts
2013 Brisbane Broncos 9 8 32
2014 20 5 20
2015 25 14 56
2016 22 18 72
2017 21 16 64
2018 23 18 72
2019 22 13 52
2020 14 2 8
2021 14 4 16
2022 22 20 80
2023 9 0 0
2024 16 3 12
Totals 216 121 484

source:[68]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Corey Oates

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Corey Oates (born 20 October 1994) is an Australian former professional footballer who played as a winger for the in the (NRL) and represented in , and a radio presenter. Born in , , Oates debuted for the Broncos in 2013 and became a one-club player, appearing in 216 NRL matches and scoring 121 tries, which ranks him third on the club's all-time NRL try-scorers list behind (142) and (122). Known for his powerful running and tackle-breaking ability, he also featured in 11 NRL finals games (scoring 8 tries) and matches (scoring 3 tries). Oates represented in nine matches across 2016, 2017, and 2022, contributing 3 tries during his career. In October 2024, at age 29, Oates announced his retirement from rugby league, citing persistent injuries over the previous 18 months and a desire to prioritize family time after a career marked by over 200 games for the Broncos. Following his retirement, he transitioned to media, joining the breakfast team on Brisbane's KIIS 97.3 FM in November 2024 as co-host of the show Robin & Kip with Corey Oates alongside Robin Bailey and Kip Wightman. The program, which aired weekdays from 5:30 a.m., aimed to blend Oates' sports background with the hosts' established radio dynamic but was axed in October 2025 due to declining ratings, with its final broadcast scheduled for 12 December 2025. Oates has expressed intentions to remain involved with the Broncos in some capacity post-retirement.

Background

Early life

Corey Oates was born on 20 October 1994 in , , . He spent his formative years in the nearby rural town of Baralaba, a small community in the Banana Shire known for its tight-knit population of around 300 residents. Oates grew up on the family property at , located about 40 km outside , where the rural lifestyle involved agricultural activities typical of . His parents, Warren and Janette Oates, raised him alongside his older sister Jenna and brother Matthew, instilling a strong emphasis on family bonds and perseverance amid the demands of country living. The close community of Baralaba shaped Oates' early personality, exposing him to values of mutual support and hard work through local interactions and family responsibilities on the property. This rural upbringing also sparked his initial interest in sports, leading to involvement with local clubs.

Junior career

Corey Oates began his organized career with the Baralaba Panthers in local junior competitions in the small town of Baralaba, , where he grew up after being born in nearby . He later progressed through the junior ranks with the Central Queensland Capras, showcasing his emerging talent as a versatile back and drawing attention from scouts in the region's competitive youth pathways. In 2012, at the age of 17, Oates earned a development contract with the Brisbane Broncos after impressing at a talent identification camp organized by the club, which he attended via an unexpected invitation during his time at St Brendan's College in Yeppoon; this marked his entry into the Broncos' youth academy system, where he began training with the under-20s National Youth Competition (NYC) squad.

Playing career

Early career

Oates joined the Brisbane Broncos' development program in his mid-teens after accidentally boarding a Broncos talent scouting bus outside St Brendan's College in , which led to a and immediate training with the club's under-20s squad. Prior to this, he had played junior with the Baralaba Panthers in , with roots in the region's development pathways linked to the Capras. In 2012 and 2013, Oates featured prominently in the Broncos' National Youth Competition (NYC) squad, playing 29 matches and scoring 27 tries while adding six goals for a total of 120 points. His explosive finishing and physical presence as a back-rower drew attention from senior staff, culminating in selection to the 2013 NYC Team of the Year in the second-row position. These performances highlighted his potential despite a disrupted preparation marked by multiple injuries that curtailed his training time. At 192 cm tall and weighing 105 kg, Oates possessed the frame ideal for the backline, and during his NYC stint, he began transitioning from the second row to focus on winger duties, refining his aerial skills and speed on the edge. This positional shift, supported by Broncos coaching under head coach Anthony Griffin, emphasized his development as a powerful finisher suited to senior reserve-grade demands.

2013

Corey Oates made his NRL debut on 5 July 2013, during Round 17, coming off the interchange bench for the against the at AAMI Park in . The Broncos endured a comprehensive 32-0 defeat in a match dominated by the home side, but the 18-year-old Oates, transitioning from a hard-running forward role in the club's under-20s system, provided an early indication of his speed and finishing ability on the wing despite the lopsided result. Prior to his debut, Oates had impressed in the NYC competition, earning selection in the 2013 Under-20s Team of the Year as a second-rower. In his debut season, Oates featured in 9 games for the Broncos, scoring 8 tries worth 32 points and quickly establishing himself as a dynamic outside back. His first NRL try came in Round 18 against the , where he crossed in a narrow 19-18 loss, showcasing his aerial prowess and line-running power. Among his standout contributions, Oates scored twice in a Round 24 victory over the , stretching the defense with quick hands and strong carries, and delivered a match-winning try from a chip kick in Round 26 against the , helping secure a 19-18 win. These limited but impactful appearances highlighted his immediate threat as a finisher, averaging nearly a try per game in his rookie year. Oates' breakout performance earned him the Brisbane Broncos' Rookie of the Year award for 2013, recognizing his rapid adaptation and contributions as an 18-year-old winger who injected energy into the backline during a challenging season for the club.

2014

In 2014, Corey Oates built on his promising debut season by securing a regular starting role on the wing for the Brisbane Broncos, following his recognition as the club's Rookie of the Year in 2013. He appeared in 20 matches throughout the NRL season, primarily positioned on the left wing, where he scored 5 tries for a total of 20 points. This marked a significant increase from his 9 games the previous year, as Oates adapted to the demands of consistent first-grade play, focusing on strong finishing and edge defense. Oates' contributions were integral to the Broncos' offensive strategy on the flanks, helping to create scoring opportunities amid a mid-table campaign that saw the team record 9 wins and 11 losses, finishing 8th and missing the finals. His physical presence and speed on the wing added a direct threat to Brisbane's attack, particularly in combination with halves Ben Hunt and Jamie Lyon, though the side struggled with consistency against top opposition. In standout performances, Oates scored a double against the Wests Tigers in Round 11, including a crucial late try from a cross-field kick that secured a 16-14 victory in a low-scoring defensive battle. He also crossed in the Round 8 Anzac Day clash with the South Sydney Rabbitohs, a thrilling 28-26 loss where his try contributed to a high-tempo exchange of scores. Against key rivals, Oates made an impact in the Round 3 encounter with the , coming off the bench in a competitive 30-26 defeat and earning praise for his work rate and involvement in Brisbane's comeback attempts. Later, he added tries in comfortable wins over the Canterbury Bulldogs (41-10 in Round 20) and (48-6 in Round 24), as well as a desperate 77th-minute effort in the 35-34 loss to the in Round 18 that briefly tied the scores. These efforts underscored Oates' growing reliability on the edge, even as the Broncos' overall season fell short of playoff contention.

2015

In 2015, Corey Oates experienced a breakout season with the , solidifying his role as a key attacker on the wing through consistent performances in high-stakes matches. Building on his reliability from the previous year, Oates featured in 25 games, scoring 14 tries for a total of 56 points, which highlighted his growing threat in the attacking third. His speed and finishing ability became integral to the Broncos' strategy, particularly during an eight-game winning streak through the period that propelled the team up the ladder. The Broncos finished the regular season in second place on the NRL ladder with 38 points, securing a home qualifying final against the third-placed North Queensland Cowboys. Oates contributed to Brisbane's 16-12 victory in that match, demonstrating composure under finals pressure, before the team advanced to the preliminary final against the Sydney Roosters. In a dominant 31-12 win at Suncorp Stadium, Oates scored one of six tries, showcasing his personal growth in high-pressure environments by exploiting defensive gaps on the edge. This performance underscored his evolution from a promising finisher to a reliable performer in playoff football. Oates' standout moment came in the on 4 October 2015 against at ANZ Stadium, where he scored the opening try just six minutes into the match with a long-range effort, giving the Broncos an early 6-0 lead. Despite the eventual 17-16 golden-point loss, his try exemplified the try-scoring prowess that defined his season and marked the Broncos' first appearance since 2006.

2016

In the 2016 NRL season, Corey Oates played 22 games for the , scoring 18 tries for a total of 72 points and establishing himself as the club's leading try-scorer. His standout performances included two hat-tricks: one in a 53-0 win over the in Round 7, where he crossed for tries in the 9th, 25th, and 47th minutes, and another in a 38-16 victory against the in Round 23, scoring at the 30th, 39th, and 56th minutes to help secure a crucial late-season result. Oates' contributions were pivotal in key matches against top opposition, aiding the Broncos' push into the as they finished fifth on the ladder. In the elimination final against the Gold Coast Titans, he scored a try in a high-scoring 44-28 win, while in the semi-final loss to the (26-20 in extra time), his 68th-minute try briefly kept Brisbane in contention before Johnathan Thurston's field goal sealed the outcome. Building on his experience from the , Oates demonstrated improved aerial strength and finishing ability throughout the year. On the representative front, Oates earned his first call-up for , debuting on the wing in Game 1 on 1 June 2016 at ANZ Stadium, where the edged 6-4 in a defensive masterclass. He retained his spot for Games 2 and 3, scoring a try in the 72nd minute of the 26-16 home win in Game 2 and making crucial carries in the decider, contributing to 's 2-1 series victory—their 11th Origin shield.

2017

In 2017, Corey Oates maintained his role as a reliable winger for the , appearing in 21 of their matches during the regular season and crossing for 16 tries, which contributed 64 points to the team's tally. His consistent performances on the edge provided the Broncos with strong aerial ability and line-breaking threat, helping to sustain their competitive standing in the NRL premiership race. Building on his State of Origin debut from the previous year, Oates earned selection for Queensland in Game 1 of the 2017 series, starting on the wing and scoring the Maroons' sole try in a 28-4 defeat to New South Wales at Suncorp Stadium. Despite the loss, he made notable contributions to the series opener's defensive structure, completing 12 tackles and generating key territorial advances through powerful carries that eased pressure on his teammates. Oates was omitted from Games 2 and 3 amid major lineup adjustments by coach Kevin Walters following the heavy defeat. Oates' season was somewhat hampered by and recovery efforts, including a severe staph in late that led to hospitalization and intravenous treatment, sidelining him for several weeks. He returned in August but faced further challenges with a from a collision during the Broncos' semi-final win over Penrith in September, which required careful monitoring but did not end his campaign. These setbacks limited his overall availability while he focused on rehabilitation to maintain his position.

2018

In the , Corey Oates featured in 23 matches for the , crossing for 18 tries to accumulate 72 points and once more topping the club's try-scoring charts with his powerful finishing and aerial prowess. Oates marked a personal career milestone on 23 March during Round 3 against the at Campbelltown Stadium, taking the field for his 100th NRL appearance in the Broncos' narrow 9–7 golden-point victory. After being overlooked for the first two State of Origin games amid a form dip that he later attributed to the snub, Oates earned a recall to the for the decisive Game 3 on 11 July at Suncorp Stadium, stepping in on the wing due to captain Greg Inglis's injury. Playing with renewed intensity, Oates helped secure an 18–12 win over , clinching the series 2–1 and ending a two-year Origin drought for the .

2019

In 2019, Corey Oates delivered a consistent performance for the during a challenging season in which the team struggled with inconsistency, finishing eighth on the NRL ladder after a 1-5 start and ultimately exiting with a heavy 58-0 loss to . Playing in 22 matches, he scored 13 tries for 52 points, maintaining his role as a reliable finisher on the wing despite the club's overall difficulties under new coach . Oates highlighted his resilience in several tight losses, notably scoring two tries in a 22-12 defeat to the in round 3, where he also recorded 221 running metres and nine tackle breaks to keep the Broncos competitive against a top-tier opponent. His form earned him a recall to the Queensland Maroons for all three games, where he contributed with a try in the series-opening 18-14 win over in game one, underscoring his value in high-stakes representative football amid club pressures. Building on his milestone of leading the Broncos in tries the previous year, Oates focused on steady contributions, including a penalty try in a 38-6 victory over in round 18 that briefly elevated him to the NRL's top try-scorer.

2020

In 2020, the NRL season was curtailed to 17 rounds due to the , with all matches relocated to under stringent bio-security protocols that included quarantine bubbles and restricted player movements, limiting overall fixtures and team preparations. Corey Oates featured in 14 games for the , scoring 2 tries for a total of 8 points, a marked reduction from his pre-COVID consistency where he had averaged higher try-scoring output in prior full seasons. The Broncos endured a dismal campaign, securing just 3 wins and conceding the for the first time in club history by finishing last on the ladder with a points differential of 268 for and 624 against. Their attack ranked equal worst in the competition, hampered by ineffective ball-handling and limited structured opportunities, which restricted wingers like Oates to sparse chances on the edge despite his positioning as a key finisher. Oates contributed defensively and in carries but was occasionally dropped amid the team's struggles, including a stint as 18th man following a heavy loss to the Gold Coast Titans. Oates adapted to the disrupted schedule by managing a significant leg injury sustained in July during a 48-0 defeat to the , where he suffered deep lacerations penetrating his muscles but was cleared of a compound . He underwent and rehabilitation, returning to the field within three weeks and demonstrating resilience by recording top speeds in subsequent games despite the lingering effects. The bio-security measures further necessitated adjusted off-field training routines focused on individual conditioning to maintain fitness amid reduced group sessions.

2021

In 2021, Corey Oates appeared in 14 matches for the during a season impacted by the ongoing effects of the from the prior year, which had shortened the 2020 campaign and limited player opportunities. He scored 4 tries for 16 points total, reflecting a moderate contribution as he gradually regained form amid the club's rebuild under new head coach , who took over following a dismal 2020 finish. The Broncos ended the year in 14th place with a 7-17 record, prioritizing development over immediate contention. Oates faced challenges early, playing just 6 NRL games before being dropped to the in Round 12 after the Broncos' poor start (3-8 record). In the Intrust Super Cup with the , he excelled with 4 tries across 6 appearances, including a brace in a 30-12 win over the in Round 10, earning a first-grade recall in Round 18. Upon returning, he added 2 more NRL tries, helping stabilize the backline during the team's push for wins in the latter rounds. His efforts included strong yardage carries, averaging 162 meters per game in his limited outings. Among his tries, two stood out in key victories against lower-table opponents: one in Round 8's 28-16 defeat of the Gold Coast Titans, where he crossed at the 46-minute mark to extend the lead, and another in Round 25's 35-22 triumph over the , scoring early at the 14th minute to set the tone. These efforts contributed to the Broncos' late-season momentum, securing three of their final four wins despite missing the finals. Oates was not selected for Queensland's squad that year, with the opting for other wing options amid his inconsistent NRL output.

2022

In 2022, Corey Oates experienced a significant resurgence in form for the , playing 22 games and scoring 20 tries for a total of 80 points, making him the team's leading try-scorer that season. This marked a sharp turnaround from his injury-plagued 2021 season, where he managed only four tries in 14 appearances, fueling personal motivation to reclaim his position as a key attacking threat. Oates achieved multiple multi-try hauls, including a in round 5 against the despite a 24-20 loss, and two tries in round 10 during a 38-0 Magic Round victory over Manly. Oates earned a recall to the Queensland Maroons for Game 3 on 13 July 2022 at Suncorp Stadium, starting on the in place of the injured . He delivered a solid performance in Queensland's 22-12 victory over , securing the series win 2-1 with five tackle busts and strong second-half contributions that helped maintain momentum. Following his career-best campaign, Oates entered contract extension discussions with the Broncos, culminating in a one-year deal announced on 20 September 2022 that kept him at the club through 2023 and reflected his renewed value after overcoming prior doubts about his NRL future.

2023

In 2023, Corey Oates faced a challenging season marred by recurring injuries that severely limited his participation with the . He appeared in only nine games, scoring no tries and accumulating zero points, a stark contrast to his prolific output the previous year when he notched 20 tries in 22 matches. Multiple issues, including a (PCL) strain in Round 8 and another injury sustained during training in July, sidelined him for extended periods and disrupted his rhythm on the wing. Despite his personal struggles, Oates remained part of the Broncos' squad during their impressive finals campaign, which marked the club's first appearance since 2015. The team finished third in the regular season and advanced by defeating the 26–0 in the qualifying final before overcoming the 42–12 in the preliminary final. Oates' contributions were confined to a support role, culminating in his selection as the 18th man for the against the on 1 October 2023, where the Broncos fell short in a 26–24 thriller.

2024

In 2024, Corey Oates entered his 12th season with the , managing 15 appearances amid ongoing recovery from injuries sustained the previous year. His playing time was carefully limited due to his age of 30 and the physical toll of prior and issues, allowing him to contribute selectively while preserving his health. Oates scored 3 tries for 12 points in the regular season, with his output reflecting a veteran role focused on experience rather than high-volume involvement. Oates featured prominently in the Broncos' pre-season campaign, where the team secured the NRL Pre-Season Challenge victory; he appeared in both trial matches, crossing for 2 tries and accumulating 8 points. During the regular season, a standout moment came in Round 6 against the , when Oates shifted to the backrow position and scored his first try since 2022, energizing the Suncorp Stadium crowd and highlighting his versatility late in his career. The Broncos finished 12th on the ladder with a 10-14 record, and Oates' contributions helped stabilize the backline amid team transitions. Oates' 216th and final NRL appearance occurred in Round 27 against the on September 8, 2024, capping a one-club career that began with his Broncos debut in 2013. Throughout the season, he embodied loyalty to the club, often emphasizing his deep roots in rugby league despite contract uncertainties.

Post-playing career

Retirement

Corey Oates announced his retirement from professional on 10 October 2024, concluding a 12-season tenure with the as a one-club player. His career spanned from his NRL debut in 2013 to the end of the 2024 season. The decision was influenced by cumulative injuries, particularly to his knees and legs, which had taken a significant toll over the previous 18 months and made consistent performance challenging. Oates prioritized his family, including his two young children, and Hawks, stating that continuing to "abuse my body" would limit his ability to be present for them in the future. Although he had expressed reluctance about transitioning to life after football earlier in the year, Oates indicated readiness for this next chapter, opting against overseas opportunities to focus on personal life. The announcement elicited an emotional response, with Oates reflecting on the difficulty of the choice and expressing deep gratitude to the Broncos, his teammates, and fans for the memories created over his 216 games. Tributes poured in from the club, including Broncos CEO Dave Donaghy, who lauded Oates' loyalty and contributions as a fan favorite and representative. Fans and the community widely celebrated his career, marking a poignant farewell at age 29.

Broadcasting career

Following his retirement from rugby league in October 2024 to prioritize family time, Corey Oates transitioned into by joining the team at KIIS 97.3 in . On 25 November 2024, ARN announced that Oates would co-host the show, rebranded as "Robin & Kip now with Corey Oates," starting in 2025, drawing on his NRL profile to add humor and relatability to the program alongside hosts and Kip Wightman. Oates debuted on the show in early 2025, contributing daily from 5:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. weekdays, where his segments like "Weekly Dose of Oates" featured lighthearted anecdotes from his sporting past and personal life, enhancing the program's entertainment value for listeners. The trio's dynamic emphasized cheeky banter and interactive games, such as elaborate challenges, which helped foster a fun, community-oriented tone. ARN confirmed on 23 October 2025 that the show would end after its final episode on 12 December 2025, amid plans for a network refresh, though it continued broadcasting until then. Audience reception was solid but faced challenges, with the program holding a 10% share in the latest survey—placing fourth in the breakfast slot—following an earlier 10.6% in , before a reported ratings dip contributed to the axing. Oates balanced the early-morning commitments with life by sharing relatable stories about his wife and children on air, adhering to her rule against embarrassing the kids, while episodes often touched on family farm mishaps and superstitions to connect with listeners.

Statistics

Club statistics

Corey Oates played his entire NRL club career with the from 2013 to 2024, appearing in 216 games, scoring 121 tries, and accumulating 484 points without kicking any goals. Primarily deployed on the wing, Oates established himself as a prolific try-scorer for the club, ranking third all-time in Broncos NRL tries behind (142) and (122). The following table summarizes his year-by-year club statistics:
SeasonGamesTriesGoalsPoints
201398032
2014205020
20152514056
20162218072
20172116064
20182318072
20192213052
202014208
2021144016
20222220080
20239000
2024153012
Total2161210484
Oates earned the Broncos' Rookie of the Year award in 2013 after scoring eight tries in nine appearances. He led the club in tries during the 2016 season with 18, repeating the feat in 2018 with another 18 tries, and topped the team again in 2022 with a career-high 20 tries, for which he received the club's NRL Players' Player award.

Representative statistics

Corey Oates represented in the on nine occasions between 2016 and 2022, accumulating three tries for 12 points across his appearances. His debut came in Game 1 of the 2016 series, where he played all three matches as secured a 2–1 victory over . Oates featured in one game during the 2017 series, which also won 2–1, before returning for a single appearance in the 2018 whitewash loss (0–3). He played the full 2019 series, a 1–2 defeat, and closed his representative career with Game 3 of the 2022 series, contributing to another 2–1 triumph. Oates earned no international caps during his career. The following table summarizes Oates' State of Origin involvement by year:
YearGames PlayedTriesPoints
2016314
2017114
2018100
2019314
2022100
Total9312

References

  1. https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/corey-oates/summary.html
  2. https://www.zerotackle.com/players/corey-oates/
  3. https://www.broncos.com.au/news/2024/10/10/corey-oates-announces-retirement/
  4. https://radioinfo.com.au/news/robin-kip-corey-corey-oates-joins-kiis-97-3-breakfast/
  5. https://www.zerotackle.com/corey-oates-lands-new-role-after-nrl-retirement-217449/
  6. https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/tv/radio/brisbanes-robin-kip-corey-oats-breakfast-show-axed-after-ratings-dip/news-story/1ed324b246cbf392f1d676813e7f63e3
  7. https://www.broncos.com.au/news/2023/08/22/baralaba-boy-becomes-bronco-200-gamer/
  8. https://www.queenslandcountrylife.com.au/story/3937142/baralaba-boy-set-to-face-the-blues/
  9. https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/rockhampton/brisbane-broncos-winger-corey-oates-back-in-origin-arena-after-threeyear-absence/news-story/47a6f49360f3031de3220fdf72cc1048
  10. https://thebench.com.au/code/nrl/players/brs/corey-oates
  11. https://www.qrl.com.au/news/2019/04/13/the-more-you-know-cq-capras/
  12. https://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/nrl/teams/broncos/corey-oates-reveals-how-he-joined-the-broncos-by-accident/news-story/970130efb1d32bdfd8cd6a0b21b5129b
  13. https://www.nrl.com/news/2012/04/16/toyota-u20s-origin-squads-named/
  14. https://www.qrl.com.au/news/2014/04/07/young-broncos-lift-capras/
  15. https://www.nine.com.au/sport/nrl/the-mole-2013-nyc-team-of-the-year-where-are-they-now-in-pictures-jake-trbojevic-luke-brooks-corey-oates-20231023-p5fqe1.html
  16. https://www.nrl.com/news/2014/06/09/bronco-oates-impressing-old-heads/
  17. https://www.nrl.com/news/2014/08/08/wake-up-call-young-bronco-needed/
  18. https://www.nrl.com/draw/nrl-premiership/2013/round-17/storm-v-broncos/
  19. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-05-25/corey-oates-rapid-rise-from-stopgap-back-to-representative-star/7441984
  20. https://www.nrl.com/news/2013/08/23/rd-24-try-corey-oates-39min/
  21. https://www.nrl.com/news/2013/09/05/rd-26-try-corey-oates-75th-min/
  22. https://www.itsrugby.co.uk/player-27927.html
  23. https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/seasons/nrl-2014/brisbane/summary.html
  24. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-05-24/broncos-hold-off-wests-tigers/5475992
  25. https://www.nrl.com/draw/nrl-premiership/2014/round-8/broncos-v-rabbitohs/
  26. https://www.nrl.com/draw/nrl-premiership/2014/round-18/panthers-v-broncos/
  27. https://www.broncos.com.au/news/2015/10/22/nrl-broncos-2015-season-review/
  28. https://www.nrl.com/ladder/?competition=111&season=2015&round=26
  29. https://www.nrl.com/draw/nrl-premiership/2015/finals-week-3/broncos-v-roosters/
  30. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-09-25/broncos-book-grand-final-berth-with-thrilling-win-over-roosters/6806626
  31. https://www.nrl.com/draw/nrl-premiership/2015/grand-final/broncos-v-cowboys/
  32. https://www.nrl.com/draw/nrl-premiership/2016/round-23/broncos-v-eels/
  33. https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/seasons/nrl-2016/brisbane/summary.html
  34. https://www.nrl.com/draw/nrl-premiership/2016/finals-week-2/cowboys-v-broncos/
  35. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-09-16/north-queensland-cowboys-beat-brisbane-broncos-extra-time-semi/7854322
  36. https://www.nrl.com/news/2016/05/25/oates-made-for-origin/
  37. https://www.nrl.com/draw/state-of-origin/2016/game-2/maroons-v-blues/
  38. https://www.nrl.com/draw/state-of-origin/2016/game-3/blues-v-maroons/
  39. https://www.nrl.com/news/2017/12/12/broncos-2017-by-the-numbers/
  40. https://www.nrl.com/draw/state-of-origin/2017/game-1/maroons-v-blues/
  41. https://www.theroar.com.au/2017/06/01/state-of-origin-2017-game-1-player-ratings-queensland-maroons/
  42. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2017/jun/12/queensland-in-radical-shakeup-in-bid-to-hit-back-in-state-of-origin-game-ii
  43. https://www.nrl.com/news/2017/07/14/no-return-date-yet-for-oates/
  44. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2017/sep/15/broncos-edge-panthers-but-corey-oates-injured-in-brutal-nrl-semi-final
  45. https://www.nrl.com/news/2017/11/22/oates-ready-for-back-row-shift/
  46. https://www.nrl.com/stats/players/?competition=111&season=2018&stat=38
  47. https://www.zerotackle.com/nrl/player-stats/2018-player-stats/
  48. https://www.nrl.com/news/2018/11/25/broncos-2018-season-by-the-numbers/
  49. https://www.nrl.com/draw/nrl-premiership/2018/round-3/wests-tigers-v-broncos/
  50. https://www.nrl.com/news/2018/07/04/recalled-queensland-maroons-winger-corey-oates-admits-being-dropped-from-state-of-origin-affected-club-form/
  51. https://www.qrl.com.au/news/20182/07/03/origin-brings-out-anger-oates/
  52. https://www.nrl.com/news/2019/11/17/broncos-2019-season-by-the-numbers/
  53. https://www.nrl.com/news/2019/07/18/bunker-awards-penalty-try-to-oates/
  54. https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/wild-oates-the-moment-that-changed-origin-i-for-queensland-20190605-p51uwh.html
  55. https://www.nrl.com/news/2020/09/24/brisbane-get-wooden-spoon-as-cowboys-finish-on-a-high/
  56. https://www.nrl.com/news/2020/10/31/broncos-2020-season-by-the-numbers/
  57. https://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/nrl/teams/broncos/nrl-2020-corey-oates-opens-up-on-axing-by-brisbane-broncos-coach-anthony-seibold/news-story/a7b49e24f25edf1afdb762e3b212eede
  58. https://www.nrl.com/news/2020/07/18/huge-boost-for-oates-as-hes-cleared-of-compound-leg-fracture/
  59. https://www.nrl.com/news/2020/09/10/stat-attack-oates-fast-as-ever-despite-leg-injury/
  60. https://www.broncos.com.au/news/2020/07/18/injury-update-corey-oates/
  61. https://www.nrl.com/news/2021/10/20/broncos-2021-season-by-the-numbers/
  62. https://www.nrl.com/news/2021/07/20/no-point-kicking-cans-as-oates-earns-first-grade-recall/
  63. https://www.qrl.com.au/draw/qrl-premiership/2021/round-10/magpies-v-wm-seagulls/
  64. https://www.nine.com.au/sport/nrl/state-of-origin-2021-queensland-maroons-corey-oates-20210624-p5iti1.html
  65. https://www.nrl.com/draw/nrl-premiership/2021/round-8/broncos-v-titans/
  66. https://www.nrl.com/draw/nrl-premiership/2021/round-25/broncos-v-knights/
  67. https://www.nrl.com/stats/players/?competition=111&season=2022&stat=38
  68. https://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/nrl/nrl-2022-brisbane-broncos-season-rankings-corey-oates-no-1-and-offcontract-adam-reynolds-payne-haas/news-story/808b60221e31f39c935b2645ef5a782b
  69. https://www.rugbyleagueeyetest.com/2022/06/20/the-largest-improvements-and-regressions-in-player-contribution-rating-for-nrl-season-2022/
  70. https://www.sportingnews.com/au/rugby-league/news/nrl-round-5-supercoach-winners-and-losers/lc7pqlyluhjw4a7oc8v0qqju
  71. https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/nrl-magic-round-live-updates-manly-sea-eagles-v-brisbane-broncos-20220513-p5al6b.html
  72. https://www.qrl.com.au/news/2022/07/09/statement-maroons-confirm-changes-to-squad/
  73. https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/matches/state-of-origin-2022/game-3/queensland-origin-vs-new-south-wales-origin/summary.html
  74. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2022/jul/13/state-of-origin-2022-game-3-live-score-qld-maroons-vs-nsw-blues-decider-teams-kickoff-time-start-new-south-wales-v-queensland-scores-result-rugby-league-nrl-latest-news-channel-nine-watch-broadcast-brisbane
  75. https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/state-of-origin/state-of-origin-2022-series-player-ratings-kangaroos-selections-origin-results-maroons-ratings-blues-ratings-nathan-cleary-daly-cherryevans-news-analysis/news-story/1e44f39ee6b8216b61be193a18c592bf
  76. https://www.broncos.com.au/news/2022/09/20/oates-extends-for-another-year/
  77. https://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/nrl/nrl-2022-scott-drinkwater-snubs-dolphins-signs-fiveyear-deal-with-cowboys/news-story/980b9beb8bafe3404054f8feec32a70c
  78. https://www.sen.com.au/news/2023/11/22/broncos-veteran-opens-up-on-tough-2023-season
  79. https://www.nrl.com/news/2023/06/07/fit-oates-says-broncos-focus-is-to-fight-finals-fadeout/
  80. https://www.broncos.com.au/news/2023/07/13/qscan-injury-update-corey-oates/
  81. https://www.nrl.com/draw/nrl-premiership/2023/finals-week-1/broncos-v-storm/
  82. https://www.nrl.com/draw/nrl-premiership/2023/finals-week-3/broncos-v-warriors/
  83. https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/nrl-2023-zac-hosking-and-corey-oates-miss-the-grand-final-cut/news-story/d415ef2c3d7327ee64f6f6d4dd05a5a6
  84. https://www.nrl.com/stats/players/?competition=111&season=2024&stat=1000021
  85. https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/nrl-2024-corey-oates-retires-from-rugby-league-brisbane-broncos-contract-news-offseason-news/news-story/34fd684d071d202c26c00a4d2cf3a375
  86. https://www.nrl.com/news/2024/03/31/crowd-go-wild-for-oates-in-his-try-scoring-forward-cameo/
  87. https://www.broncos.com.au/news/20242/10/10/corey-oates-announces-retirement/
  88. https://kiis973.com.au/local/corey-oates-announces-his-retirement-to-robin-kip/
  89. https://www.news.com.au/sport/nrl/brisbane-broncos-winger-corey-oates-has-retired-aged-just-29/news-story/51af6e2160124eb70d0ef2cbeec7ca91
  90. https://www.realestate.com.au/news/nrl-star-corey-oates-unwilling-but-ready-for-life-after-footy/
  91. https://kiis973.com.au/entertainment/introducing-robin-kip-now-with-corey-oates/
  92. https://arn.com.au/nrl-star-corey-oates-joins-kiis-97-3s-robin-kip/
  93. https://www.iheart.com/podcast/239-robin-kip-with-corey-oates-27941108/
  94. https://omny.fm/shows/robin-terry-kip
  95. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DFlmMlOzaKD/
  96. https://www.mediaweek.com.au/arn-confirms-axing-of-robin-kip-corey-oats-breakfast-show/
  97. https://www.couriermail.com.au/entertainment/robin-kip-and-corey-oates-axed-from-kiis-973-with-bold-new-breakfast-show-confirmed/news-story/c6f1ca6eae49af38c83988cc50a19a29
  98. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-14822577/Devastating-ratings-blow-forever-change-Brisbane-radio.html
  99. https://www.couriermail.com.au/entertainment/corey-oates-opens-up-on-his-life-after-the-broncos/news-story/7f4361361ccbd8c2dcb1e1d023144e49
  100. https://omny.fm/shows/robin-terry-kip/coreys-recalls-his-close-call-with-death-while-on-his-family-farm
  101. https://www.iheart.com/podcast/239-robin-kip-with-corey-oates-27941108/episode/corey-reveals-the-bizarre-superstition-his-302323633/
  102. https://www.nrl.com/news/2016/09/19/broncos-2016-season-review/
  103. https://www.nrl.com/news/2018/10/06/anthony-milford-wins-brisbane-broncos-player-of-the-year-award/
  104. https://www.zerotackle.com/2022-nrl-club-awards-122471/
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.