Oates suffers knee injury, out of 200th for Broncos

Joel Gould | July 14, 2023

Brisbane winger Corey Oates has suffered a knee injury at training and will miss what was to have been his 200th NRL game for the club.

The 28-year-old was set to play against Canterbury on Saturday at Belmore Sports Ground but suffered a training mishap on Wednesday.

The Broncos’ head of performance Dave Ballard said on Thursday scans revealed Oates had “damaged the meniscus in his knee” but the injury would not end the player’s season. 

“Oatesy saw the specialist today and will go in for minor surgery to trim the meniscus this week,” Ballard said.

“He will then start his rehab program, with the intention of him returning for the final rounds of the regular reason.”

Broncos coach Kevin Walters confirmed Jesse Arthars would come off the bench and take Oates’ place on the wing against the Bulldogs.

Oates has played just seven games this season after sustaining a broken jaw and a grade-two posterior cruciate ligament injury earlier in the year.

He’s had issues with his knees in the past but had worked hard to get himself in peak physical shape.

Last year Oates earned a State of Origin recall for Queensland and scored a career-high 20 tries for the season to take his career tally to 118, just 24 behind club legend and record holder Steve Renouf.

On Monday he spoke ahead of his anticipated 200th game about how much he was enjoying his football. 

“I feel pretty proud of myself to have got this far,” Oates said.

“A few years ago everyone was writing me off and I probably deserved it. 

“I am happy to have turned things around and be playing consistent footy. I’ve never loved it more.”