Corey Oates has spoken publicly for the first time since being on the receiving end of a James Roberts elbow in Brisbane’s loss to South Sydney last Friday night.

In a spiteful evening at Suncorp Stadium, Roberts was sin-binned for hitting his former teammate across the back of the head while Oates was prone, face down on the turf.

Roberts was released by the Broncos earlier this season after being dropped to reserve grade.

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“It might have been what happened here, obviously he didn’t leave the way he wanted to,” Oates said.

“He was probably up for the game, came into the game with a bit of aggression and showed a bit of aggression on the night.

“I can’t say it didn’t hurt. But it’s a game of footy, heat of the moment, things happen; I don’t really hold a grudge.”