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Message: [QUOTE="Super Freak, post: 2754842, member: 8536"] IT is the $240,000 sacrifice that has paid dividends for Queensland winger Corey Oates. Ahead of Origin II at Suncorp Stadium, [I]The Courier-Mail[/I] can reveal Oates turned his back on a six-figure bonanza to remain in Queensland with the Broncos. Oates produced a flawless debut in Origin I and tonight the giant rookie — Queensland’s tallest player at 195cm — will wear Maroon for the first time on home turf at Suncorp Stadium. The home of Queensland rugby league is a happy hunting ground for Oates, who has lit up Suncorp’s left flank, headlined by his hat-trick in the Broncos’ 53-0 rout of Newcastle in April. But the Maroons hulk was so nearly lost to Queensland’s flagship club. Two years ago, the Storm tabled a lucrative three-year offer for Oates, who stood to pocket an extra $80,000 annually if he quit the Broncos to play under Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy. Ultimately, the Rockhampton product accepted less to stay closer to home, a show of loyalty to the Broncos that has helped catapult Oates into a Queensland jumper. Former Broncos recruitment chief Paul Bunn, now a talent scout with the Storm, revealed he tabled a sizeable offer in a concerted bid to poach Oates from Brisbane. “I tried very hard to sign Corey to Melbourne two years ago,” said Bunn, who first signed Oates to a Broncos scholarship as a 13-year-old. “As a youngster, Corey wasn’t a standout but I remember a heap of clubs started showing interest, including the Cowboys and the Roosters. “I can tell you now, Melbourne’s offer was way more than what the Broncos offered. It was almost double over a three-year period. It was at least 40 per cent more for each of the three years. “I had no doubts Corey would succeed in the NRL. He reminded me of Justin Hodges (former Broncos centre), he was a big gangly thing who would run on to the ball like a steam train. “Corey could have earned a lot more money at the Storm, but he could see a pathway at the Broncos and his parents, being the great bush people they are, wanted to be loyal to the club.” Any concerns about Oates’ mental fortitude were buried in the Origin opener, with the 21-year-old overcoming a head gash to play a key role in Queensland’s 6-4 victory at Homebush. Veteran centre Greg Inglis was paired with Oates on Queensland’s left side and believes the Broncos forward-come-winger has cemented his Maroons jersey. “Corey deserves his spot,” Inglis said. “I thought he was very good in Game One. I thought Justin O’Neill went well too. “Corey has his own style. He’s been terrific and will be there for years to come.” Queensland captain Cameron Smith said Oates will be a fixture in the Maroons’ side for at least another five years. “I think he will. Hopefully, touch wood, he stays injury free,” Smith said. “He’s had a horror run with injuries. Game One I am sure was the first of many to come for Corey.” [URL="http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/nrl/state-of-origin/state-of-origin-2016-the-240000-sacrifice-that-kept-corey-oates-at-the-broncos/news-story/011803ef7cf10b9bdfc985863cb6ff83"]No Cookies | The Courier Mail[/URL] [/QUOTE]

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