Super Freak
International Captain
Forum Staff
- Jan 25, 2014
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MAROONS coach Kevin Walters says Corey Oates is in the frame for Queensland selection as Broncos teammate Darius Boyd labelled the giant winger tailor-made for State of Origin.
Walters revealed Oates could be handed a shock debut for Origin I this season, despite his latest injury setback giving incumbent Dane Gagai breathing space in the battle for a Maroons wing spot.
Oates will miss the next four to six weeks with an AC joint injury, but his blockbusting form in the opening fortnight has convinced the Maroons hierarchy he is ready for Origin football.
While the 21-year-old is expected to be sidelined until late April, Oates would still have a full month of NRL upon his return to apply fresh pressure to Gagai.
With the youthful Knights doing Gagai no favours as they struggle under new coach Nathan Brown, Oates has rocketed into contention for Origin I at Sydney’s ANZ Stadium on June 1.
Gagai is far from entrenched after one game for the Maroons last season and Walters likes the utility value offered by Oates, who at 106kg can slot into the back row.
“I’m keeping an eye on Corey and a lot of the emerging guys,” Walters said.
“Last year we saw Emerging Origin players go into the senior team and it will probably happen again this year. Some boys will get an opportunity at some stage throughout the series.
“I like the size ‘Oatesy’ brings and his carries. He is very good in that area, he continually gets good run metres. He relieves pressure on the forwards with some tough runs and he was doing that most of last season on the wing for the Broncos.
“He just needs to keep working hard on his game and have that attention to detail. He’s certainly got the ability to play Origin. Corey has been a part of the Emerging Origin team and if you are in that squad, you are on the radar.”
Oates amassed 342 metres and four line-breaks in the opening two rounds and Boyd believes his height and bulk would terrorise NSW opponents.
“These days everyone puts up bombs and kicks to the winger and he’s a tall guy — he’s one guy you want to stay away from,” said Boyd, who has played 23 Origin matches from the Queensland flank.
“If you do bomb to Corey, he comes in hard, he’s 106kg so no one wants to get in his way.
“Origin is so strong and tough that his play one and two carries would be really good in that arena and his decision-making in defence is getting better and better.
“He is close in my eyes (to Origin selection) but it’s up to Kevvie I guess.”
http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport...d/news-story/d18bacbb3a01e49b27d0e905d901e47d
Walters revealed Oates could be handed a shock debut for Origin I this season, despite his latest injury setback giving incumbent Dane Gagai breathing space in the battle for a Maroons wing spot.
Oates will miss the next four to six weeks with an AC joint injury, but his blockbusting form in the opening fortnight has convinced the Maroons hierarchy he is ready for Origin football.
While the 21-year-old is expected to be sidelined until late April, Oates would still have a full month of NRL upon his return to apply fresh pressure to Gagai.
With the youthful Knights doing Gagai no favours as they struggle under new coach Nathan Brown, Oates has rocketed into contention for Origin I at Sydney’s ANZ Stadium on June 1.
Gagai is far from entrenched after one game for the Maroons last season and Walters likes the utility value offered by Oates, who at 106kg can slot into the back row.
“I’m keeping an eye on Corey and a lot of the emerging guys,” Walters said.
“Last year we saw Emerging Origin players go into the senior team and it will probably happen again this year. Some boys will get an opportunity at some stage throughout the series.
“I like the size ‘Oatesy’ brings and his carries. He is very good in that area, he continually gets good run metres. He relieves pressure on the forwards with some tough runs and he was doing that most of last season on the wing for the Broncos.
“He just needs to keep working hard on his game and have that attention to detail. He’s certainly got the ability to play Origin. Corey has been a part of the Emerging Origin team and if you are in that squad, you are on the radar.”
Oates amassed 342 metres and four line-breaks in the opening two rounds and Boyd believes his height and bulk would terrorise NSW opponents.
“These days everyone puts up bombs and kicks to the winger and he’s a tall guy — he’s one guy you want to stay away from,” said Boyd, who has played 23 Origin matches from the Queensland flank.
“If you do bomb to Corey, he comes in hard, he’s 106kg so no one wants to get in his way.
“Origin is so strong and tough that his play one and two carries would be really good in that arena and his decision-making in defence is getting better and better.
“He is close in my eyes (to Origin selection) but it’s up to Kevvie I guess.”
http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport...d/news-story/d18bacbb3a01e49b27d0e905d901e47d
