Super Freak
International Captain
Forum Staff
- Jan 25, 2014
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COREY Oates pushed himself hard to make an early comeback from his shoulder injury, but is adamant a possible Origin call-up was not the reason for his quick return.
Yet after an outstanding opening two rounds, the giant winger is racing towards a Queensland debut, with his chances increasing on Wednesday following news incumbent centre Will Chambers would miss the 2016 series with a fractured foot.
Oates will be one of the frontrunners for inclusion in the Maroons backline, and it is thought his two games on the sideline early this season are unlikely to harm his chances.
He said his teammates reminded him of the Maroons every day but insisted his focus was with Brisbane.
“I don’t like to really think about that sort of stuff,” he said of Origin.
“When everyone else is saying it, when all the boys around the club say it everyday … it’s a bit of a laugh.
“Your dream as a kid is to play Origin for your state. It would be a dream come true.
“(But) I’m not going to get picked though if I’m not playing good footy.
“I knew (coming back), I wasn’t going to be straight back to how I was in my first two games.
“I’d love to be back where I was. That’s all up to me really.”
The 21-year-old injured his AC joint towards the end of his blockbuster performance against the Warriors in Round 2 and was due to be out for up to six weeks.
But he worked hard to get himself back three games early, not because he wanted to chase his Origin dreams, but because he needed to maintain his confidence and form for Brisbane.
“I didn’t want to sit out of the game too long,” he said.
“I was more than happy to come back when I thought I was ready ...
“In the past I’ve had tough injuries. I didn’t want this one to worry me too much. I worked pretty hard on my rehab and I didn’t want it to affect me too much mentally.”
While his speedy return was not done with Origin in mind, Oates admits it has been hard not to notice the hype around a possible call-up.
He has a great chance to hit top form against Newcastle at home on Saturday night.
There is no doubt Bronco teammates will only ramp up the talk of his Origin chances following the fall of Chambers.
The Melbourne centre broke his foot in Monday’s loss to the Bulldogs and, after undergoing surgery, will miss up to 14 weeks.
Queensland are already looking to replace retired centre Justin Hodges and injured fullback Billy Slater.
As well as Oates and Cowboys speedster Kyle Feldt, other names that have been thrown into contention are North Queensland centre Justin O’Neill and Knights fullback Dane Gagai.
Queensland coach Walters could not be reached for comment yesterday.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/n...s/news-story/3019e06dbce7ffd381867685e0db596d
Yet after an outstanding opening two rounds, the giant winger is racing towards a Queensland debut, with his chances increasing on Wednesday following news incumbent centre Will Chambers would miss the 2016 series with a fractured foot.
Oates will be one of the frontrunners for inclusion in the Maroons backline, and it is thought his two games on the sideline early this season are unlikely to harm his chances.
He said his teammates reminded him of the Maroons every day but insisted his focus was with Brisbane.
“I don’t like to really think about that sort of stuff,” he said of Origin.
“When everyone else is saying it, when all the boys around the club say it everyday … it’s a bit of a laugh.
“Your dream as a kid is to play Origin for your state. It would be a dream come true.
“(But) I’m not going to get picked though if I’m not playing good footy.
“I knew (coming back), I wasn’t going to be straight back to how I was in my first two games.
“I’d love to be back where I was. That’s all up to me really.”
The 21-year-old injured his AC joint towards the end of his blockbuster performance against the Warriors in Round 2 and was due to be out for up to six weeks.
But he worked hard to get himself back three games early, not because he wanted to chase his Origin dreams, but because he needed to maintain his confidence and form for Brisbane.
“I didn’t want to sit out of the game too long,” he said.
“I was more than happy to come back when I thought I was ready ...
“In the past I’ve had tough injuries. I didn’t want this one to worry me too much. I worked pretty hard on my rehab and I didn’t want it to affect me too much mentally.”
While his speedy return was not done with Origin in mind, Oates admits it has been hard not to notice the hype around a possible call-up.
He has a great chance to hit top form against Newcastle at home on Saturday night.
There is no doubt Bronco teammates will only ramp up the talk of his Origin chances following the fall of Chambers.
The Melbourne centre broke his foot in Monday’s loss to the Bulldogs and, after undergoing surgery, will miss up to 14 weeks.
Queensland are already looking to replace retired centre Justin Hodges and injured fullback Billy Slater.
As well as Oates and Cowboys speedster Kyle Feldt, other names that have been thrown into contention are North Queensland centre Justin O’Neill and Knights fullback Dane Gagai.
Queensland coach Walters could not be reached for comment yesterday.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/n...s/news-story/3019e06dbce7ffd381867685e0db596d
