Oates hat-trick boosts Broncos' play-off ambitions

Corey Oates' hat-trick inspired play-off chasing Brisbane Broncos to a 38-18 victory over South Sydney Rabbitohs in NRL on Thursday.

The Broncos came into this meeting at Suncorp Stadium occupying the eighth and final qualification berth, while the Bunnies arrived as joint leaders, looking to strengthen their grip on a top-four finish, which brings two chances of success once the Finals begin.

But the visitors found themselves 18-0 behind inside half an hour, only to roar back and level the scores within 15 minutes of the second period.

Just when it seemed the momentum was entirely with the Rabbitohs, Oates completed his treble and the final quarter of the game belonged to the Broncos, who ran in two more scores to finish with a comfortable margin of victory at the end of an enthralling contest.

Two carbon-copy Oates tries - Brisbane working the ball through hands to the left on each occasion - had the hosts in control and Korbin Sims underlined their dominance by finishing off good work by Anthony Milford.

But the Bunnies fought back admirably, a pair of Richard Kennar scores either side of the break preceding Hymel Hunt being freed in the left corner to go over.

Adam Reynolds struck the right-hand post with the conversion as the game remained tied, but only until Oates leapt highest to claim a Milford kick and complete his hat-trick.

David Fifita, the first NRL player to be born this century, powered his way beyond four defenders en route to finishing off a stunning team move and with the Rabbitohs chasing the game, Kodi Nikorima raced away for a late interception score - converted by Jamayne Isaako, who finished with 14 points.