Brisbane Broncos winger Corey Oates retires aged just 29

Former Queensland State of Origin winger Corey Oates says he’s put his family first after opting for retirement at 29 instead of seeking an overseas deal after not being offered another contract by the Brisbane Broncos.

Oates scored 121 tries in 216 games for the Broncos since debuting for the club in 2013 but won’t be a part of new coach Michael Maguire’s playing squad.

Third on the Broncos’ all-time NRL try scorers list, Oates, who also featured for Queensland in nine State of Origin games, has battled injuries in recent seasons and opted to stay in Brisbane rather than look to extend his career in the UK Super League.

He played 15 games in 2024 after just nine in 2023.

“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.

“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.

“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.

“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.

“I’ve always loved the club because it’s been my home since I left school and I won’t be a stranger, I’ll definitely be around the place.”

Oates’ retirement will add to any post-season moves by Maguire, who replaced axed Kevin Walters after the Broncos failed to make the NRL finals.