Several clubs circling Oates

Brisbane Broncos Corey Oates is in hot demand as the off-contract winger starts to weigh up his options, as reported in the Australian. 

Several clubs have put their names into the ring to secure the winger, but Oates is resistant to start negotiations with any team before his contract is finished with his current management.

The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs are amongst the teams interested in Oates, but their patience is wearing thin as they fear Oates will take his time exploring options elsewhere.

The speculation surrounding the wingers move makes the contest between the Dogs and Broncos on Thursday night even more interesting.

It's understood the Parramatta Eels are a team pursuing Oates, with North Queensland also showing interest, but they are more focused on securing the signature of Valentine Holmes from Cronulla.

The Dogs and Eels are looking at utilising Oates as a backrower, but if worst comes to worst, can move him back to his familiar position on the wing.

Oates is considering the positional move in order to bargain for more money, with both clubs willing to play ball, although Canterbury are in rush to secure their roster for next season.

Josh Jackson and Adam Elliott are on long-term deals with the Dogs, and have recently re-signed rookie Rhyse Martin, means their stocks in backrowers are pretty full.

Despite the loss of Brett Morris, they also have depth on the wings, but a player of the calibre that Oates possesses, any club would love to have him.

If Oates is to make the positional switch, it might not happen at his current team of the Broncos as they already have plenty of great backrowers to choose from, meaning Oates would need to explore that dream elsewhere.