Oates in running to play on wing

FORMER Origin winger Corey Oates is set to make his first NRL appearance of the season after the battling Broncos were rocked by illness on the eve of tonight’s showdown with the unbeaten Panthers.

Oates (pictured) trained on the left wing on Wednesday morning after Jesse Arthars was told to stay home due to illness.

Prop Tom Flegler was also sent home from training after feeling unwell, however he is expected to take the field at Suncorp Stadium.

A veteran of 156 NRL games, Oates has been wallowing in the Intrust Super Cup with Souths-Logan after falling out-of-favour with new Broncos coach Kevin Walters.

An eight-game Origin representative on the wing, Oates shifted to the back-row during the pre-season.

However he made the decision to revert to his best position on the wing and was overlooked for NRL selection in the opening rounds.

With outside backs Herbie Farnworth (shoulder), Kotoni Staggs (knee) and Tesi Niu (dropped) out of the team, Walters has recalled Oates on the wing, with David Mead shifting to centre.

Walters said Arthars would be given until game-day to prove his fitness, but Oates appears to be in line to play his first NRL match of the year.

“Oatesy trained there this morning and we will make a decision tomorrow,” Walters said.

“Jesse is a bit crook today so we decided to leave him at home. We will see how he pulls up and make a decision tomorrow afternoon. If Jesse is no good Oatesy will play.

“Oatesy has gone back to work on a few things in the Intrust Super Cup and now he gets his opportunity so he’s in the team.

“He trained most of the offseason in the back row, then virtually when the season started we decided he wanted to go back on the wing.

“At his best he is one of the best wingers in the game.”