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Wayne Bennett has cleared Corey Oates to make a final State of Origin audition in Brisbane’s NRL grand final re-match against North Queensland in Townsville on Friday night.
Queensland hopeful Oates trained strongly on Thursday after missing Tuesday’s session to attend his grandmother’s funeral.
The towering winger will chime into a full-strength Broncos team that will welcome back Andrew McCullough (hamstring), Adam Blair (suspension) and Alex Glenn (calf).
More Origin:
» 2016 State of Origin
» State of Origin fixtures
» State of Origin teams
» NSW Blues team for Origin 1
» My QLD Maroons team for Origin 1
Oates will go head to head with fellow Queensland contender, Cowboys winger Kyle Feldt, before the Maroons team for June 1’s Origin opener is named on Tuesday night.
Asked if Oates was ready for Origin, Bennett said: “He has done everything right here.
“There are a few contenders, the Cowboys guy (Feldt) and (Newcastle’s) Dane Gagai.
“I don’t think he (Oates) is over the line yet – but a good performance tomorrow night won’t hurt.”
The stage is set for another classic derby between defending premiers North Queensland and ladder leaders Brisbane at a sold out 1300SMILES Stadium on Friday night.
The last two derbies have been decided in golden point including last year’s grand final.
The Cowboys will be out to avenge their 21-20 round four extra-time upset loss to Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium.
“The game itself gets you up no matter what happened the previous week,” Bennett said.
“There is a great rivalry between the two teams.
“The boys enjoy playing it, there will be a great atmosphere – it should be good.”
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