Brisbane winger Corey Oates is in the best mental and physical condition of his career as he closes in on breaking the club's all-time try-scoring record.
The 28-year-old has scored 118 first-grade tries for the Broncos and is in striking distance of four-time premiership winner Steve Renouf's record of 142 tries, which has stood since 1999.
Oates had two lean NRL seasons in 2020 and 2021 when he only scored six times. Injuries, a nasty staph infection and the team's poor form all contributed to that.
Last pre-season Oates knew he was on his last chance at the club, and in 2022 had his best ever year where he scored 20 tries and returned to Queensland's State of Origin side after a three-year absence.
After the Broncos just missed the finals in September he signed a one-year extension with the club and put his off-season to good use. He did his own strength training in the gym and fine-tuned his body with brother-in-law Liam Miles' exercise physiology studio.
"I've focused on getting my acceleration and pace back that I have lost," Oates said.
"I did all my training with my brother-in-law and he focused on strengthening my hips and squaring me up.
"I used to drag my right leg around because I tore my hip five years ago. I also did some sprint here with the (Broncos) coaches.
"One of the older fellas said when I first started that a footy career doesn't last long, but it goes quick.
"I am that bloke now. There isn't a long time left but I want to make the most of what I do have left and keep getting better each year.
"I want to push to get a premiership for the club and finish my career here."
Oates said he would be "very proud" to go past Renouf's record and remain a one-club player.
"It would be awesome. I will hopefully get there," he said.
"You look at how quick (Renouf) was and the legacy he has left at the club. He was a freak who could pull a try out of nowhere."
Renouf met Oates and his parents when he first came to the club as a teenager and said he hoped he went past his record.
"I think he will definitely get there and I will be so proud of him when he does because he always gives everything for the Broncos," Renouf told AAP.
"Corey has to just keep doing what he did the last season and he will get there in no time.
"He got his way back into Origin this year and it just shows the mental and physical space he's in. It is the best it ever has been."
