Brisbane Broncos fans will reportedly have to wait at least a few more weeks before learning whether their star winger Corey Oates will stay with the club in 2020.
24-year-old Oates, who's been the subject of contract negotiations for much of this year, is instead prioritising this week's matchup with returning Parramatta Eels veteran Blake Ferguson.
Oates told Fox Sports it's "always a tough game against Fergo. Heโs a massive competitor and a great player so it will be a big game for myself.โ
The last time they met "wasnโt my best" admits Oates, referring to their 38-10 away loss to Parramatta in Round 14. "I have picked up my game since that", he said, ahead of Friday night's crucial match at Suncorp Stadium.
The Broncos currently sit just inside the top eight with 10 wins, 11 losses and a draw. "We have worked on a lot as a team, fixed up a lot of areas", he said.
Meanwhile, he is still waiting on a long-term Brisbane deal to be finalised, believed to be worth around $500,000 per year. Should the try-scoring winger take this deal, it is reputed to be up to $200,000 per year less than offers made by rival Sydney clubs.
Oates has established a young family in Brisbane and had previously been considered certain to remain with the Broncos for at least three more years.
