GCBRONCO
International Captain
- Mar 4, 2008
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http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport...tle-scarred-body/story-fnp0lyn6-1227508344236
BRONCOS sensation Corey Oates has sought the counsel of retiring skipper Justin Hodges to help his battle-scarred body survive the rigours of the NRL.
Oates is Brisbane’s most exciting back-row prospect, but the 106kg hulk concedes his career risks being cut short if he doesn’t get serious about looking after his imposing frame.
The strapping utility underlined his rare potential last week, displaying the speed of a winger and the power of a forward to stun Souths with a rampaging 95m solo try.
But behind the on-field hype is the off-field trauma of Oates having required nine operations — all before he celebrates his 21st birthday next month.
After just 50 games for the Broncos, Oates has undergone operations on both shoulders, both wrists and both knees. His left knee has been operated on twice, leaving Oates feeling the pain of worn cartilage he must manage for the rest of his career.
Enter Hodges. The veteran centre readily admits he failed to safeguard his body in his embryonic years at Red Hill, an attitude that caught up with Hodges as he battled incessant leg injuries into his 30s.
Now, with Oates having the potential to become one of the greatest forwards of his generation, Hodges is determined for his young cohort not to make the same mistakes.
“I have to make sure I look after my body now,” said Oates, who turns 21 on October 20.
“I still have a fair few years left in me, although the boys won’t back me on that comment with my body.
“Rehab has become the key for me. In the past, I never looked after my body but this year I’ve started to look after myself.
“Hodgo has become a good example. He keeps telling me that I have to look after my body now because it will benefit me later on in my career.
“Hopefully his advice, and looking after myself, will help extend my career.”
Oates is often compared to Broncos back-row legend Brad Thorn and the physical parallels are undeniable.
Thorn stood 195cm and tipped the scales at 116kg. At 192cm and 106kg, Oates has the potential to grow, but is reluctant to bulk-up given the battering his body has taken.
“That’s it, I’m done, I don’t want to get heavier. I’m happy with the size I’m at,” he said.
“The knees weren’t massive surgeries but the cartilage has been cleaned out. It’s a bit painful some days. I play a game and I wake up the next day with my knees aching.
“I just want to get fitter and stronger and look after myself.”
Oates admits he was surprised both by his 95m solo try and his selection on the wing ahead of Lachlan Maranta, Brisbane’s leading tryscorer this season.
“I do feel for Lachy, I didn’t expect to play against Souths but I’m making the most of my opportunities,” he said.
“I didn’t expect to score that try. At first, I looked for a bloke to pass it to, but there was no-one around so I backed myself and held him (Souths fullback Dylan Walker) off to score.
“I’d love to be there for the finals. I’m just doing what Wayne (Bennett, coach), tells me ... I don’t want to let anybody down.”
BRONCOS sensation Corey Oates has sought the counsel of retiring skipper Justin Hodges to help his battle-scarred body survive the rigours of the NRL.
Oates is Brisbane’s most exciting back-row prospect, but the 106kg hulk concedes his career risks being cut short if he doesn’t get serious about looking after his imposing frame.
The strapping utility underlined his rare potential last week, displaying the speed of a winger and the power of a forward to stun Souths with a rampaging 95m solo try.
But behind the on-field hype is the off-field trauma of Oates having required nine operations — all before he celebrates his 21st birthday next month.
After just 50 games for the Broncos, Oates has undergone operations on both shoulders, both wrists and both knees. His left knee has been operated on twice, leaving Oates feeling the pain of worn cartilage he must manage for the rest of his career.
Enter Hodges. The veteran centre readily admits he failed to safeguard his body in his embryonic years at Red Hill, an attitude that caught up with Hodges as he battled incessant leg injuries into his 30s.
Now, with Oates having the potential to become one of the greatest forwards of his generation, Hodges is determined for his young cohort not to make the same mistakes.
“I have to make sure I look after my body now,” said Oates, who turns 21 on October 20.
“I still have a fair few years left in me, although the boys won’t back me on that comment with my body.
“Rehab has become the key for me. In the past, I never looked after my body but this year I’ve started to look after myself.
“Hodgo has become a good example. He keeps telling me that I have to look after my body now because it will benefit me later on in my career.
“Hopefully his advice, and looking after myself, will help extend my career.”
Oates is often compared to Broncos back-row legend Brad Thorn and the physical parallels are undeniable.
Thorn stood 195cm and tipped the scales at 116kg. At 192cm and 106kg, Oates has the potential to grow, but is reluctant to bulk-up given the battering his body has taken.
“That’s it, I’m done, I don’t want to get heavier. I’m happy with the size I’m at,” he said.
“The knees weren’t massive surgeries but the cartilage has been cleaned out. It’s a bit painful some days. I play a game and I wake up the next day with my knees aching.
“I just want to get fitter and stronger and look after myself.”
Oates admits he was surprised both by his 95m solo try and his selection on the wing ahead of Lachlan Maranta, Brisbane’s leading tryscorer this season.
“I do feel for Lachy, I didn’t expect to play against Souths but I’m making the most of my opportunities,” he said.
“I didn’t expect to score that try. At first, I looked for a bloke to pass it to, but there was no-one around so I backed myself and held him (Souths fullback Dylan Walker) off to score.
“I’d love to be there for the finals. I’m just doing what Wayne (Bennett, coach), tells me ... I don’t want to let anybody down.”
