Broncos veteran Corey Oates has revealed coach Kevin Walters “didn’t actually say anything” in the aftermath of Brisbane’s 40-6 loss to the Dolphins in their cross-town grudge match.
The defeat saw Walters’ outfit concede seven tries, putting an end to the Broncos’ hopes of sneaking into the top eight.
The performance came after the Broncos coach declared on August 23 “we’re going to make the finals”, battling to play post-season football only a year after featuring in a grand final.
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Rumblings have emerged there’s an attitude issue with the Brisbane squad, with senior reporter Phil Rothfield saying: “There’s something wrong internally with this football side”.
Now, Oates, who has played 215 games for the Broncos, revealed the mood in the changing rooms after the Dolphins’ defeat was icy.
“He didn’t actually say anything at all,” said on KIIS 97.3 on Tuesday morning.
“He said, ‘I’ve got nothing to say with that sort of performance’.”
Oates then said Walters is silent post-game “not a lot” when giving his debrief to players.
The 29-year-old’s future is also up in the air, with his current contract expiring at the end of the 2024 season in Red Hill. As it stands, there’s no offer to remain at the Broncos.
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“I think the club’s sort of — they haven’t come forward with an offer yet, and they’ve said they probably won’t,” Oates said.
“But I’m still hopeful I can change people’s minds pretty easily,
“So, look, I’ve got to go out there and perform the way I know I can, and hopefully give it that one small chance at the dice. One more roll of the dice left and see what they can do.”
Oates has been a stalwart of the Broncos’ club, but admitted “you can never say no, depending what the offer is” should a rival club come knocking.
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