Corey Oates has confirmed his sudden retirement from NRL footy at 29 years old leaving Broncos fans saddened after admitting he needs to put his family first. Broncos fans were wondering if Oates had played his final game for the club when he featured on the wing in round 27 against the Storm.
Oates was aware there was going to be some tough decisions made at the club, having missed out on finals footy again, before Kevin Walters was sacked as coach. The Maroons representative had already confirmed he would need to weigh up his future having looked at his position in the current squad.
The 29-year-old was uncertain about joining another club, to keep his family in Brisbane, and the Broncos announced he would be calling time on his career Thursday morning. Oates opted to avoid signing for a rival club to spend more time with his kids having joined in 2013 and played 216 times for the Broncos.
“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’ life and do as much as I can with them,” he said in a club statement. “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 finishes as third-highest try scorer in the club’s history. Only club icons Darren Lockyer and Steve Renouf sit above him on the list. “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,” he added.
Many fans wanted Oates to play on for one more season with new coach Michael Maguire coming in to reshape the squad. However, the winger will retire as a one-club player and was showered with praise after calling time.
Thanks for the memories Oatesy 🥹
— Gaffas (@Gaffas90) October 9, 2024
Absolute legend.
— Matlock (@Matlock47825386) October 9, 2024
farewell legend 🐴💜
— 𝘫𝘦𝘴𝘴 (@leonsinterlude) October 9, 2024
Corey Oates’ tough family admission ahead of retirement
Ahead of his retirement, Oates had spoken about how the decision would come down to what was best for his family. While Oates may have been offered less minutes under new coach Maguire, after 12 seasons with the Broncos the winger decided he would continue his profession off the field.
Oates initially entertained the notion he could join a rival club as he weighed-up what was best for his family. “I’ve always said no, but you can never say no, depending on what the offer is,” he said.
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