Former Queensland winger Corey Oates is relishing the chance to prove he has still has what it takes as a forward.
In a bid to see if he can go "head to head with the big boys", Oates will be given two trials to cement a bench forward spot for Brisbane's NRL opener against St George Illawarra on March 8.
His first hit-out will be the Broncos' February 17 clash with Gold Coast at Toowoomba.
"I am sort of trying to get back in there and see if I have still got it," Oates told the Broncos' website.
"There's been a few challenges trying to get back in there.
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"There's a lot more decision-making to do in the middle and on the edge.
"But I have been enjoying it. We will just see how it goes in the trials."
The lanky Oates has revelled on the wing for Brisbane, earning four State of Origin caps for the Maroons.
But deep down Oates has been a frustrated back-rower.
The 23-year-old said he was now keen to recapture his days of playing in the forwards as a junior.
"I was 15 when I started off the bench and did a middle, edge role and really enjoyed that - I am hoping to get the same opportunity," he said.
"I do enjoy the position on the edge, you get a bit more ball and are involved a lot more.
"It would be good to take me back to when I was playing the forwards.
"Just enjoy the game a lot more and prove to myself that I can still play in the middle and go head to head with the big boys."
Coach Wayne Bennett will give Oates Brisbane's two trials to prove he can cut it as a forward.
If unsuccessful, it has been reported Bennett will ask Oates if he wants to start as a winger in the NRL or be relegated to the second-tier Queensland Cup and try to earn a call-up as a forward.
