Oates has Origin backing that matters

[Super Freak]

MAROONS big guns Cameron Smith and Johnathan Thurston have called for Queensland coach Kevin Walters to hand Broncos sensation Corey Oates his Origin debut.

Oates will seal his spot for Origin I by outpointing Cowboys wing rival Kyle Feldt in the Queensland blockbuster on Friday night in Townsville.

Darius Boyd’s impending selection at fullback has created a vacancy on the left flank and Feldt surged into the frame after scoring two tries against Manly a fortnight ago.

But Queensland captain Smith has thrown his support behind Oates, saying the 106kg hulk has earnt the right to be ordained as the Maroons’ 183rd Origin player when the team is named on Tuesday.

Oates will have to overcome one of the toughest weeks of his life to clinch a Maroons debut. He was given time off training yesterday by the Broncos to attend the funeral of his grandfather.

“I hope Corey gets picked for Queensland because he would do a wonderful job,” said Smith, whose opinions carry weight at the selection table.

“To play at Origin level, you need guys who you can trust to get the job done and I see that in Corey’s football every week.

“You don’t necessarily have to be the best player or the guy that will do special things all the time, you need a guy where you know what you are going to get from him.

“Corey has been one of the Broncos’ best players this season. He’s ultra-consistent … and he’s ready for Origin.”

Smith’s assessment was backed by another senior Maroon in Cowboys champion Thurston, who believes Oates’ hulking frame is perfectly suited to Origin.

“If they go with Corey he wouldn’t let us down,” said Thurston.

“Corey has been outstanding this year and we are a bit thin on outside backs.

“In the past Mal (Meninga, former Maroons coach) has liked to pick a big strong winger and I’m sure Kevin Walters (Queensland coach) will be thinking along those lines.

“He takes some tough carries and knows how to find the tryline.”

Oates has played 63 NRL games. The 21-year-old has nine tries this season, averages 138m a game and leads Brisbane’s line-break tally with 11.

“When someone is playing well they make noise and when you make noise they are clearly doing something right,” Maroons halfback Cooper Cronk said.

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[tommy]

Would love to be cheering for Oates in Origin. Quite an endorsement from those two as well.

 

[Sproj]

He's been in since he start of the year...but don't be surprised to see Feldt named also.

 

[I bleed Maroon]

1. Boyd
2. Oates
3. Inglis
4. Chambers
5. Feldt

 

[Splinter]

1. Boyd
2. Oates
3. Inglis
4. Chambers
5. Feldt

Thought Chambers has been injured for ages. Is he due back?

 

[austin71]

Gagai did nothing wrong last year

 

[Socnorb]

I said he wasn't ready last year.
he's ready now.

 

[I bleed Maroon]

Thought Chambers has been injured for ages. Is he due back?

Is he? I didn't know that. I only put him in there because he's the obvious incumbent

 

[Big Pete]

Gagai would have been one of the first players picked if he didn't take the Knights money. If he chose to come to Brisbane, with the right mix of players, he'd be more consistently brilliant than Oxford.

Smith and JT are still filthy that Semi was picked over Oates. If they were BHQ members, they'd have Oates avatars for sure.

 

[Harry Sack]

*suspicious glance at Fozz and Unbreakable*

 

[Sproj]

This unfozzable character is becoming really popular around here. ;)

 

[badyon]

Well...let's hope he brings his brains along with him...

Would be dumbest winger to ever play for QLD...and still learning how to catch a footy..

Good argument for Kevvie to pull his head in on the bans. Holmes and others would better.

make example of some players, and yet bring on others who have just as many question marks.

 

[ivanhungryjak]

Well...let's hope he brings his brains along with him...

Would be dumbest winger to ever play for QLD...and still learning how to catch a footy..

Good argument for Kevvie to pull his head in on the bans. Holmes and others would better.

make example of some players, and yet bring on others who have just as many question marks.

1. Missed the prerequisite which demands intelligence of an Origin player/winger. We must have had a few cheated on their exams over the years if that's the case.
2. Seems to be catching the ball pretty damn well considering all the tries he's scoring.
3. Whatever you think of the bans, Kev absolutely should not go back on his decision. I for one support high standards among the group.
4. Even if not banned, it's arguable that Oates is playing better and has more upside than Holmes at the moment.

 

[Cult]

Well...let's hope he brings his brains along with him...

Would be dumbest winger to ever play for QLD...and still learning how to catch a footy..

Good argument for Kevvie to pull his head in on the bans. Holmes and others would better.

make example of some players, and yet bring on others who have just as many question marks.

 

[Mitch06]

1. Missed the prerequisite which demands intelligence of an Origin player/winger. We must have had a few cheated on their exams over the years if that's the case.
2. Seems to be catching the ball pretty damn well considering all the tries he's scoring.
3. Whatever you think of the bans, Kev absolutely should not go back on his decision. I for one support high standards among the group.
4. Even if not banned, it's arguable that Oates is playing better and has more upside than Holmes at the moment.

As good as Holmes is atm... I mean, he could be anything in the near future, I agree with you. There is a big difference between Holmes's best and worst performances which is the concern. I watched him play a few weeks back on an off game for him and he blew 2-3 genuine scoring opportunities through dropping the ball cold or making a wrong decision. Oates becomes a better finisher each game and his defends in general is quite solid. You pretty much know what you're getting from him - he won't let anyone down.

 

[Cult]

As someone who until recently had Holmes in his SVRL team, Holmes hasn't been as good as Buzz Rothfield will have you believe. Two good games + one really good games against the Knights does not equal 10 good games from Oates.

 

[Rally Towel]

I'd be stoked if Oates made the team. Just rewards for outstanding form.

Honestly, I'd be a little concerned for him given his injury history though. Ever since Fatulino busted up his shoulder he's looked a little tentative to me. You can bet the Blues will put it to the test.

 

[ivanhungryjak]

As good as Holmes is atm... I mean, he could be anything in the near future, I agree with you. There is a big difference between Holmes's best and worst performances which is the concern. I watched him play a few weeks back on an off game for him and he blew 2-3 genuine scoring opportunities through dropping the ball cold or making a wrong decision. Oates becomes a better finisher each game and his defends in general is quite solid. You pretty much know what you're getting from him - he won't let anyone down.

Yeah, I worded that last one horribly. What you said is what I meant.