Oatsey is easily capable of playing back row. 2 big reasons he never really got a great shot there was Wayne firstly didnt think he had the mentality to play the position, not the ability, and secondly he was just too important on the wing.
I think at the stage of his career he is at now, he's mature enough to be able to fill in that role. He could come off the bench, and if we had a back go down we have the likes of Arthars and Mariner to shift to the centers and he can just drop in on the wing.