‘Right time to go’: Former Origin star Corey Oates announces NRL retirement at 29
Corey Oates has called time on his NRL career citing his family and injures as the main reasons to hang up the boots.
Oates, 29, announced via the Brisbane Broncos website he will finish his career as a one club player, recording 216 games in the top grade after making his debut in 2013. He also played nine games for Queensland.
Oates was off-contract at the end of the season and confirmed last month that he was yet to receive an offer from the Broncos for next season under new coach Michael Maguire
He played 15 games in 2024 after only nine in 2023.
Instead of testing himself on the open market or travelling to the UK to continue his career, Oates opted to prioritise time with his family, admitting the past year and a half has been tough on his body.
“When you have kids and family, and when you get to that point in your career, you evaluate what’s important – and I want to be part of my kids (sic) life and do as much as I can with them,” he said.
“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.
“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.”
Oates’ knack to find the tryline sees him ranked third on the club’s all-time NRL try-scorers list with 121.
Broncos CEO Dave Donaghy confirmed Oates “won’t be lost to the club” and the now retired winger/backrower said he will work with Brisbane in some capacity.
“Coming from the bush where I grew up, playing for the Broncos was something I never thought possible,” Oates added.
“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.
“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.”