- The Broncos winger has played 216 NRL games
- He also starred in Queensland in State of Origin.
Brisbane winger Corey Oates has announced his retirement at just 29 years old as the NRL team prepares to usher in a new era under coach Michael Maguire.
The 29-year-old had been hampered by injuries over the past two years and was out of contract for next season, with Jesse Arthars and Deine Mariner establishing themselves as first-choice wingers in 2025.
Oates announced via a club statement on Thursday morning that he would be retiring from the NRL after 216 first grade games, aged just 29.
“The last 18 months have not been kind to my body and my injuries, but my family is my top priority now and that is why I made the decision to retire,” Oates said.
“I never thought I would play one game, let alone more than 200. I never wanted to be the person who played too many seasons and now is the right time to leave.”
‘Coming from the bush where I grew up, playing for the Broncos was something I never thought possible.
‘I was playing in the backyard and commenting on how my brother and I played football games at Suncorp Stadium: checks and chases, attempts to score and all that.
“You never think that one day you will be on that stage as part of the game you grew up watching on television.
Oates played 216 NRL games for the Broncos after debuting in 2013 and also represented Queensland (pictured) in nine games, scoring three tries.
The 29-year-old’s injuries have taken a heavy toll on him and he will leave the sport 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 best players in the sport and that’s the most important thing for me.
“Playing in Origin for Queensland and playing for the Broncos. I still have to pinch myself because it all really happened, but when I got those opportunities I took them.”
“I have made great friends and great memories – rugby league has given me everything and I am forever grateful.”
“The support I have received from the fans, thinking about how much the fans care about the players and how much they have backed me for the loyalty I have tried to show to the fans and the club, has been just unreal.”
Oates’ departure marks the Broncos’ first roster change since Maguire replaced the ousted Kevin Walters after the team went from grand finalists to underdogs in 2024.
The towering winger retired just weeks after Michael Maguire took over as Brisbane coach after Kevin Walters was sacked.
It also leaves the Broncos without depth in the back line following the club’s recent departures of Tristan Sailor and Jordan Pereira.
Oates played his entire NRL career with the Broncos after debuting 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 with the Broncos.
Oates made nine State of Origin appearances for Queensland, including series wins in 2016, 2017 and 2022, and was the 18th man in the Broncos’ 2023 grand final loss to Penrith.
He played his last game for Brisbane in the round 27 loss to Melbourne.
Maguire will soon have to turn his attention to the future of backs Selwyn Cobbo and Kotoni Staggs, who are out of contract next season and can negotiate with their rivals from November.
