- Broncos winger has played 216 NRL games
- Also starred for Queensland in State of Origin
Brisbane winger Corey Oates has announced his retirement aged just 29 as the NRL side prepares to usher in a new era under coach Michael Maguire.
The 29-year-old had been hindered by injuries over the past two years and did not hold a contract for next season, with Jesse Arthars and Deine Mariner firming as first-choice wingers in 2025.
Oates announced via a club statement on Thursday morning that he would bow out from the NRL after 216 first-grade games, aged just 29.
‘The last 18 months haven’t been kind with my body and my injuries, but it’s my family that are my main priority now and that’s why I’ve made the decision to retire,’ Oates said.
‘I never thought I was going to play one game, let alone over 200. I never wanted to be the person who went one season too many and now is the right time for me to go.
‘Coming from the bush where I grew up, playing for the Broncos was something I never thought possible.
‘I would play in the backyard and commentate on my brother and I playing games of footy at Suncorp Stadium – chips and chases, scoring tries and all that.
‘You just never think you are going to be on that stage one day as part of the game you grew up watching on the TV.
Oates played 216 NRL games for the Broncos after making his debut in 2013 – and also represented Queensland (pictured) in nine matches, scoring three tries
The 29-year-old’s injuries have taken a heavy toll and he is quitting the game to make his family his top priority (pictured with wife Tegan)
Oates said he thought playing for the Broncos was ‘something I never thought possible’ after growing up in the bush
‘I got to play with some of the greatest players ever in this game and that is the biggest thing for me.
‘Playing Origin for Queensland and playing for the Broncos – I still have to pinch myself that it all happened for real, but when I got those opportunities, I took them.
‘I’ve made some great friends and some great memories – rugby league has given me everything and I will be forever grateful.
‘The support I’ve received from the fans, thinking about how much the fans care about the players and how much they’ve backed me for the loyalty I’ve tried to show the fans and the club – it’s just been unreal.’
Oates’ departure marks the Broncos’ first roster change since Maguire replaced the ousted Kevin Walters following the side’s slide from grand finalists to also-rans in 2024.
The towering winger pulled the pin just weeks after Michael Maguire took over as Brisbane coach after Kevin Walters was sacked
It also leaves the Broncos short of depth in the back-line following Tristan Sailor and Jordan Pereira’s recent exits from the club.
Oates played his entire NRL career with the Broncos after making his debut in 2013 and scored a try in the club’s 2015 grand final loss to North Queensland.
He was the last player from that team to remain at the Broncos.
Oates made nine State of Origin appearances for Queensland, including in their 2016, 2017 and 2022 series victories, and was 18th man for the Broncos’ 2023 grand final loss to Penrith.
He played his final game for Brisbane in the round-27 loss to Melbourne.
Maguire will soon need to turn his attention to the future of backs Selwyn Cobbo and Kotoni Staggs, who are both off-contract next season and can negotiate with rivals from November.