Long-serving Brisbane Broncos winger Corey Oates has officially announced his retirement from the NRL at the age of 30, bringing the curtain down on a remarkable 12-year professional career.
The announcement comes after months of speculation surrounding his future, with Oates opting to step away from the game rather than test the open market or seek an extension from the Broncos.
“After a lot of thought and conversations with my family, I’ve decided that the time is right to hang up the boots,” Oates said in a club statement. “I’ve lived out my dream playing for the Broncos and I’ll forever be grateful for the opportunities the game has given me.”
Oates made his NRL debut in 2013 and quickly became a fan favourite with his powerful running, aerial ability, and knack for scoring tries in crucial moments. He played his entire NRL career with Brisbane, earning over 190 appearances and crossing for more than 115 tries.
The former Queensland Maroons representative also featured in State of Origin, earning eight caps between 2016 and 2019.
Plagued by injuries in the latter years of his career, Oates struggled for consistent game time in recent seasons but remained a respected figure in the locker room and a mentor to younger Broncos players.
Broncos coach Kevin Walters paid tribute to Oates, calling him “a true clubman and a warrior on the wing.”
“Corey has been a huge part of the Broncos for over a decade, and what he’s done for this club both on and off the field won’t be forgotten,” Walters said. “He’s given everything for the jersey and earned the respect of teammates, coaches, and fans alike.”
Oates leaves the game as one of Brisbane’s most prolific try-scorers, currently sitting third on the club’s all-time try list behind Steve Renouf and Darren Lockyer.
While he hasn’t revealed what’s next, Oates hinted at staying connected to rugby league in some capacity.
“I love this game, and I’m sure I’ll still be around it in some way,” he said. “But for now, I’m just grateful for the ride and ready for the next chapter.”
