Coach Kevin Walters has advised the newly appointed bench utility, Corey Oates, to brace himself for any scenario as the Brisbane Broncos prepare to face North Queensland. With key players like prop Payne Haas, fullback Reece Walsh, and second-rower Brendan Piakura sidelined due to injuries, the Broncos are facing significant challenges ahead of their Friday night match at Suncorp Stadium.
Despite primarily playing as a winger, the experienced Oates has undergone extensive training across various positions on the field this week, demonstrating his versatility and adaptability for the upcoming Queensland derby.
With a wealth of experience, including representing the Maroons and boasting an impressive tally of 118 tries in 201 NRL games for Brisbane, the 29-year-old brings considerable physical presence to the team.
Corey Oates, gearing up for his first game of the season after recovering from a knee injury and being sidelined in favor of Deine Mariner in the starting lineup, has been advised by Coach Kevin Walters to anticipate the unexpected.
With his versatility and experience, Oates could find himself deployed on the edge, in the middle, or out on the wing during the match. Despite the uncertainty, Walters has confidence in Oates’s ability to adapt and contribute effectively to the team.
The game against the undefeated Cowboys also sees Jaiyden Hunt stepping in for the injured Brendan Piakura, while Tristan Sailor replaces Reece Walsh. With prop Payne Haas absent, former club legend Darren Lockyer emphasizes the importance of collective effort in compensating for his absence, highlighting the leadership role of representative lock Pat Carrigan in rallying the forward pack.
Both clubs share a history of intense battles, with memorable clashes like the 2015 grand final etched in their rivalry. Cowboys coach Todd Payten acknowledges the mutual respect between the teams, stemming from their shared junior pathways and representative experiences.
Anticipating an exciting and fast-paced encounter, Payten expects both sides to showcase their attacking prowess in what promises to be an exhilarating match.
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