Not too long ago, it appeared that Corey Oates may have on the scrap heap at the Brisbane Broncos.
Fast forward to the present day and Oates will re-sign with the club after agreeing to a new deal for the 2023 season.
In what was probably his best season in recent memory, Oates finished with 20 tries, the second most in the 2022 season.
The Biloela-born winger has become a key player for the Broncos with his aerial present a constant threat.
Broncos coach Kevin Walters expects Oates to continue his good form in 2023 and become a mentor for the younger players coming through the ranks.
“Corey has had a great year and scored a heap of tries, made plenty of strong returns as well as catching the high balls really well, so it’s terrific to see him stay here at the Broncos,” said Walters.
“His great form this season is tribute to him and the work he’s put into his game, and it was good to see him get another chance playing for Queensland and deliver for the Maroons at Suncorp.
“Corey showed a lot of maturity for us this season and set a great example of the younger players we have coming through our squad and we look forward to more of that in 2023.”