Brisbane Broncos at risk of losing Corey Oates to Storm or Rabbitohs

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Wayne Bennett is putting the Broncos at risk of losing star Corey Oates next season by denying his wish of playing in the second-row.

Channel Seven reports Oates is weighing up rival offers from Melbourne and South Sydney after becoming frustrated by his move back to the wing, despite spending some time there during the pre-season trials.

With the Broncos already depleted in the backs through Jack Bird's absence, Bennett forced Oates back to his usual spot on the edge while key forwards Matt Gillett and Alex Glenn hogged up the minutes in the back-row.

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But the former Maroon believes his best footy is in the forwards and like Valentine Holmes in his Cronulla contract negotiations last year, Oates doesn't want to settle for winger money.

Both the Storm and Rabbitohs are prepared to take the gamble on his positional switch dream as they get set to enter the second-row market with a number of names coming off their roster list.

Melbourne are fighting to keep Felise Kaufusi who has attracted interest from several rival clubs, while Ryan Hoffman is bound for retirement as his contract runs out this year.

And the Rabbitohs will be without the Sydney Roosters-bound Angus Crichton and John Sutton who is set to draw the curtain on his career.

Bennett gave Oates the ultimatum to play on the wing or reserve grade, but it is unknown if his plan will change when Bird returns from a shoulder injury.

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