Kangaroos No.1 Darius Boyd says Corey Oates has already done enough to earn a Test debut in the end-of-year Four Nations tournament.
But Boyd reckoned Oates still had much to learn as a winger.
Few would argue after his error-riddled last round display for NRL club Brisbane.
Oates didn't look destined for a Kangaroos call-up during a first half shocker in the Broncos' upset 31-12 home loss to Penrith.
Terrorised by Panthers half Nathan Cleary's kicking game, Oates made several costly handling errors in an uncharacteristic display.
But Boyd backed Oates to feature in the Kangaroos' Four Nations campaign, saying last round's experience would fast track his winger education.
"It's pretty remarkable that he has played Origin and he will play for Australia at the end of the year," Boyd said of Queensland teammate Oates.
"(But) Oatesy is still learning to play wing.
"He's a young kid who hasn't played a lot of games there.
"He will learn from that (last round)."
Brisbane will need Oates firing again soon if they are to end their rut.
They have lost six of their last eight games.
The Broncos must defeat the second-last Roosters in Sydney on Thursday night to stay in sight of the top four.
They are sixth on a congested NRL ladder.
"We can't look at the ladder and put pressure on ourselves," Boyd said.
"There's no point worrying about ladder positions if we are not playing good footy.
"We need to get ourselves back on track."
