They are reportedly set to offer him $400,000 a season, a massive increase on his current deal.

But with rep honours last year for the Maroons, Oates is only accepting a one-year extension in the hope he can command even more money in the short term.

The 22-year-old is viewed as a back-rower long term, with elite players of that position earning about $600,000 a season.

Former teammate Justin Hodges told Fox Sports the outside back must work on his fitness if he is to transfer to the forwards.

“He’ll have a great career on the wing,” Hodges said.

“The biggest thing is his fitness. He blows out pretty quick and towards the back end of my career I tried to help him on his fitness. He’s still young.

“At the moment I think he’s best left on the wing. He’ll get found out coming up against smart halfbacks. He’s a damaging runner from the wing. That’s where he’s best until he matures a bit more and works on his fitness.”