Corey Oates has continued the banter ahead of Friday’s reunion with Josh McGuire, jokingly labelling him North Queensland’s smallest forward as he declared his intention to target the departed Brisbane firebrand.
The winger was one of Brisbane’s best in last week’s NRL-opening loss to Melbourne, running strongly to keep the Broncos in the game with two second half tries.
Oates says he took great confidence from that performance and joked it was clear who he’d be targeting in Friday’s derby as he aimed to back it up.
“I’ll be running at him,” Oates said of the reunion with the long-time Brisbane forward.
“He’s probably the smallest forward they’ve got … sorry Moose.”
Jokes aside, Oates may have a point. McGuire’s teammates Jason Taumalolo (117kg), Jordan McLean (117kg), Matt Scott (110kg), John Asiata (108kg), Francis Molo (110kg) and Coen Hess (112kg) are all at listed as heavier than the 104kg workhorse.
A noted niggler, McGuire has avoided any kind of public back-and-forth this week, playing a straight bat to reporters on Tuesday despite Brisbane hooker Andrew McCullough stirring the pot on Monday.
Oates continued that on Wednesday when asked how he thought McGuire, who will begin on the bench would approach the game.
“We’ll have to wait and see; it’s always good to be on the same side as the sort of stuff Moose comes up with,” Oates said.
“It’ll be interesting to see how he goes about this game.
“I’m sure there’s going to be a bit of niggle in there … I wouldn’t be surprised if we see something from Moose to get a reaction from the boys.”