Queensland State of Origin hopeful Corey Oates is set to be sidelined for a month after being injured in Brisbane’s 25-10 NRL win over a gutsy Warriors on Friday night at Suncorp Stadium.
Oates showed why he was considered an Origin chance for Queensland this year with a stellar display before suffering a dislocated shoulder in the 71st minute.
The towering winger racked up 152m and crossed for a first-half try to put his hand up early for a Maroons call-up in front of 34,520 fans.
Brisbane later confirmed Oates had suffered an AC shoulder joint injury.
“He’s been fantastic for us. Between him, Darbs (Darius Boyd) and JK (Jordan Kahu) out the back there, they really got us out of some sticky situations,” Broncos captain Corey Parker said.
Brisbane led 12-10 at halftime before the Warriors finally wilted in the second half after losing backs Manu Vatuvei (ribs) and centre Blake Ayshford (concussion).
The limited interchanges and humid conditions ensured the match came down to a survival of the fittest.
In the end, the two injuries to the Warriors’ backs proved the difference.
“They (Warriors) were very committed. I was pleased we got away with it in the end,” coach Wayne Bennett said.
Warriors coach Andrew McFadden believed his side had answered their critics and were “well in front” at halftime despite trailing on the scoreboard.
“But when your whole forward pack has just got nothing left, it is hard to build anything – the challenge got too big for us,” he said.
Asked how tough was it to plough on with two men down with just eight interchanges, McFadden said: “I think it (rule change) has impacted on the game more than most coaches thought it would.”
The unbeaten Broncos ran in four tries to one against a Warriors side who did their best to rectify last round’s first-half capitulation.
McFadden arrived at the clash under enormous pressure.
Former coach Graham Lowe was the most-vocal critic of their first-round loss to the lowly Wests Tigers, claiming the Warriors lacked a hard edge due to their “bro culture”.
The Warriors showed plenty of fight against the 2015 grand finalists but still slumped to their 10th straight loss stretching back to the second half of last season.
Oates’ inspirational hand helped Brisbane grab the lead at halftime.
Already earmarked for Origin, Oates showed the grit needed to earn a Queensland jersey when he twice ran the ball out of the in-goal area under heavy traffic.
He also showed he had the flair, finishing off an Anthony Milford blindside play to score in the eighth minute.
Nambawan
Guest
At long last the Warriors pack displayed some toughness and resolution. The backline however is unbalanced. Robson is far too slow at half back. Not sure what the injury situation is but I would have Lololohea at 5/8 with Johnson at 1/2 with Hurrell back in the centres with Fusitua on one wing. McFadden's hold on the coaching job getting more tenuous with each loss. Also not sure about the Warrior's fitness conditioning.
William Dalton Davis
Roar Rookie
RTS just looks a touch heavy to me. Maybe I'm imagining it. Robson while the right type of player they needed is probably a little too seasoned and shouldn't be playing 7 with Johnson at 6. Still early days though. I sense a traditional mid season origin period burst of 8+ straight wins.
William Dalton Davis
Roar Rookie
It all looks like fixable problems to me. Just things like not forcing the issue and limiting mistakes. While the Warriors were on top everywhere but the scoreboard that first half it wears on the mind mentally to be attacking so much to come away down by 2. Brisbane went up a gear and could've run right away with it if the odd pass stuck and execution was better. All things that will improve throughout the season. Warriors unfortunately had a couple injuries in the second half that wore them out in the later stages but I think they're also lacking a little fitness in general. Unable to come out in the second firing the Brisbane pack started to roll and didn't slow down until the game was all but over. In the end though I'd say Brisbane didn't get out of second against the Eels and only hit Third for 20 minutes this match. It's early days so a wins a win. You don't win trophies in March after all or else the Titans would have a couple titles by now.
Aaron
Guest
How good is Corey Oates? What a gun. Broncos were pretty poor in attack last night, but their defence was excellent. I've never seen RTS so well covered. He never even looked like making a break. In saying that, Robson had a terrible game at 7 for the Warriors. Johnson needs his hands on the ball a lot more in order to score points.
up in the north
Roar Rookie
The Bronc's weren't very impressive last night, at all. Something was off. I expected a mauling, but the Warriors showed some ticker half way through the first half but then fell away again. 2 points is 2 points so fair enough. Uncle Wayne has a bit of work in front of him.
MAX
Guest
Recovery from a dislocated shoulder can be a long and painful process. I hope for Corey's sake that modern medicine and treatments will have him back playing in a relatively short time. He is top class and the Broncos will find it difficult to replace that class despite their list.
Casper
Guest
"Well in front at halftime" is a bit of an exaggeration but they were in the mix. Aside from a dummy half try, they really never made a break so there's work to do. The new interchange rule is made for front rowers like McGuire as opposed o the big boppers because minutes and mobility are required. Like all good sides, they'll cope without Oates.
steveng
Roar Rookie
Well see how the Broncs go without him?