Broncos coach dismisses critics of Corey Oates decision

UPDATE @ September 22, 7.30am: Bronco’s coach Wayne Bennet has dismissed critics of his decision to play star Winger Corey Oates in tonight’s preliminary final showdown against the Storm.

Oates suffered a horror head-knock in last weeks game against Penrith and was in doubt to take to the field on Friday, however was cleared by medical staff yesterday.

Brisbane released a statement, confirming the 22-year-old would travel to Melbourne with the team after doctors made the final call at training.

“Corey Oates has got through training this morning and has proven his fitness for tomorrow night’s clash,” the statement reads.

It comes after concussion experts called for the club to leave Oates out of the game.

A final call on Corey Oates has been made for #NRLStormBroncos as the team prepare to fly to Melbourne: https://t.co/ypqDOePbtw pic.twitter.com/NTrYVU3IT7

— Brisbane Broncos (@brisbanebroncos) September 21, 2017

EARLIER @ September 21, 11.15am: The news Broncos fans were hoping for has finally arrived – star winger Corey Oates has been cleared to face the Melbourne Storm in Friday’s grand-final qualifier.

In a statement released on Thursday morning, the club confirmed Oates “got through training this morning and has proven his fitness for tomorrow night’s clash”.

Oates suffered a horror head-knock in last weeks game against Penrith and was in doubt to take to the field on Friday, however the 22-year-old will travel to Melbourne with the team after medical staff made the final call at training.

“The doctor has cleared him to play,” Brisbane coach Wayne Bennett said.

David Mead is still on the Broncos’ extended bench as cover.

Here is the Broncos NRL squad for Friday’s grand-final qualifier:

1. Darius Boyd ©

2. Corey Oates

3. James Roberts

4. Tautau Moga

5. Jordan Kahu

6. Anthony Milford

7. Kodi Nikorima

8. Sam Thaiday

9. Ben Hunt

10. Adam Blair

11. Alex Glenn

12. Matt Gillett

13. Josh McGuire

Interchange:     

14. Benji Marshall

15. Tevita Pangai

16. Joe Ofahengaue

17. Herman Ese’ese

18. David Mead

19. Jai Arrow

20. Jaydn Su’A

21. Jamayne Isaako