Oates likely to play but mum still worried

RUGBY LEAGUE COREY Oates’ mother admits she will fear for her son’s welfare if the Broncos hulk is officially cleared for tomorrow night’s grand final qualifier against Melbourne.

News Corp yesterday captured images of Oates undergoing a private fitness session at Red Hill as the Brisbane winger ramps-up preparations for the sudden-death blockbuster at AAMI Park. The Broncos have come under fire for allowing Oates to resume training just three days after he suffered a sickening head knock in last week’s semi-final defeat of Penrith.

Broncos high-performance chief Jeremy Hickmans insists Oates has passed a series of cognitive tests and he will be formally given the green light if he completes today’s captain’s run at Red Hill.

But Janette Oates yesterday appealed for Broncos medicos to take every precaution with her son, admitting she will be riddled with nerves if the Maroons ace is cleared to face the Storm.

“I feel a bit mixed about Corey playing to be honest,” Janette said. “I have no issue with the Broncos, they know what they are doing and if their doctors think he is fine, there is nothing much you can do, you have to put trust in them.

“They have experts who know what they are looking for, but I will still be worried about him on Friday.

“I don’t want him to play this week but I know how much Corey loves playing football.”

The Broncos are adamant they have gone “over and above” NRL protocols to ensure Oates is not placed in any jeopardy.

Broncos coach Wayne Bennett is putting no pressure on Oates to play. Secret training for Corey Oates.