Oates’ Origin axing shock

DUMPED Queensland winger Corey Oates admits he never saw his axing coming and believes he can help the injury ravaged Maroons to Origin glory in the decider.

Speaking for the first time since his sacking for Origin II, Oates said he disagreed with coach Kevin Walters’ decision, but refused to give up hope of a recall.

Oates was jettisoned to make way for Game Two debutant Valentine Holmes on the left wing – despite the Bronco scoring Queensland’s only points in their seriesopening 28-4 defeat.

His club coach, Wayne Bennett, has criticised Maroons hierarchy for dumping Oates, who has impressed in his four appearances for Queensland.

Oates continued his good form on Saturday, running for 144m and scoring his eighth try of the season in Brisbane’s 30-20 disposal of Canberra at GIO Stadium, and remains mystified by his Origin axing.

“I won’t lie – I am disappointed,” Oates said.

“I felt like I did my job in Origin I. There were a few areas where clearly the selectors didn’t think I did my job.

“It was a decision they felt they had to make. I don’t believe it was the right call, but I will work as hard as I possibly can to get back in the team.

“All I could do was cop it on the chin. The decision was made and whether it was the right one ... well, I don’t agree with it, but all I can do is play good football for the Broncos now and focus on winning the premiership for Brisbane.”

With Darius Boyd to miss the decider because of a broken thumb, there is a vacancy in Queensland’s backline.

One option is to play Will Chambers and Dane Gagai in the centres in a move that could lead to a Holmes-Oates wing alliance.

Oates said he did not request from Walters a detailed reason for his axing, but was adamant he would not fail the Maroons if recalled this year.

“I’d love to be back there for Game Three,’’ Oates said.

‘‘I’d even play centres if they want to give me a crack.

“Kevvie rang me the night before the team (for Origin II) was named.

“He didn’t really explain why I missed out.

‘‘He just said a decision was made and I didn’t ask many questions, I just said ‘Thanks for letting me know’.

“I kept it short and sweet.”