If you thought the days of a winger being paid big coin were over, you’re terribly wrong.
Market Watch can reveal Brisbane winger Corey Oates is eyeing a handsome pay day with the Broncos on the verge of re-signing the Queensland Origin star.
Off contract at the end of the season, Oates is set for a substantial pay rise due to his rep status and versatility.
Market Watch understands Oates is looking at a one-year extension worth upwards of $400,000 but is unlikely to commit any longer than that.
While he currently owns the Broncos’ left flank, it’s understood he’ll begin his transition into the back row throughout the 2017 season.
Oates has long been touted as a second rower in waiting due to his size and hard running style.
It’s something that has been heavily discussed as talks progress with the club and his management.
But according to club legend Justin Hodges, Oates’ move from the edge could take a few seasons to happen successfully.
“He’ll have a great career on the wing,” Hodges said.
“The biggest thing is his fitness. He blows out pretty quick and towards the back end of my career I tried to help him on his fitness. He’s still young.
“At the moment I think he’s best left on the wing. He’ll get found out coming up against smart halfbacks. He’s a damaging runner from the wing. That’s where he’s best until he matures a bit more and works on his fitness.”
As a backrower, and one with rep claims, Oates could seek around $600,000-a-year — an additional $200,000 to the deal he’s currently looking at.
Meanwhile, prop Adam Blair has been listed as ‘off-contract’ in this column and several articles but that’s not the case. The Broncos have confirmed Blair isn’t off-contract until the end of 2018.
