NRL fans and the general public are expressing their delight after the Brisbane radio show featuring Broncos legend Corey Oates was reinstated. Oates is part of the hugely popular ‘Robin, Kip and Corey’ breakfast show on KIIS973 alongside Robin Bailey and Kip Wightman.
Oates, who played 216 NRL games for the Broncos and nine State of Origins for Queensland, has been a revelation since joining the show and dipping his toe into the media world. But fans were left furious in October when it was announced the show was being axed for 2026.
On Tuesday, the Australian Radio Network announced the show will remain next year in a stunning backflip. The decision to reinstate Robin, Kip and Corey came after overwhelming feedback from listeners.
Corey Oates, Robin Bailey and Kip Wightman will be back in 2026. Image: KIIS/Getty
Bailey wrote on social media: “Brissy you did it! Thank you so much. We are coming back because of you and I can’t tell you how grateful I am to be back behind the mic with Kip and Corey again on KIIS973. A reversal like this is a first and I’m beyond excited for what it means for the Robin, Kip & Corey show in 2026.”
Oates, who is a cult hero in Brisbane after his long career with the Broncos, said: “We love starting the day with you Brisbane. Thanks for sticking with us, we’re grateful to be part of your mornings. We’ve got exciting plans for 2026 and can’t wait to be back with you from January 19.”
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Wightman added: “How good is people power?! No one gets behind a team like Brisbane! Can’t wait to kick off 2026 back in the studio. I guess I’ll need to return all the office equipment I stole on the last day!”
Bailey had written in October: “Seven amazing, talented, kind and compassionate people lost their jobs last Thursday. Our industry cares more about money than connection.”
The ‘Robin, Kip and Corey’ show has been reinstated. Image: KIIS
Fans rejoice after Corey Oates’ radio show reinstated
Derek ‘DB’ Bargwanna, the Head of KIIS Network, confirmed the decision was made due to people power after a wave of backlash. “Brisbane listeners were clear about what they wanted, and we listened,” he said. “Robin, Kip & Corey have a strong connection with this city, and the way things wrapped up meant the door was always open for us to reunite. We’re thrilled to welcome them back to breakfast in 2026.”
On social media, fans expressed their happiness the trio have been reinstated. One wrote: “You guys deserve to be back morning crew, can’t wait to hear you guys back on the radio. So glad we all took a stance and didn’t listen to 97.3 when you guys left. I will now tune back in.”
Corey Oates farewells Broncos fans after announcing his NRL retirement in March. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
Another commented: “Will be great to hear you all again. I have missed you and not listened to it since you left. Hope you all got a big pay rise.”
It’s also been confirmed that Oates and Wightman’s new Broncos-themed podcast with Sam Thaiday will still go ahead. The podcast – called ‘The Unofficial Broncos Podcast with Sammy, Oatsey and Kip’ – was announced after the radio show’s initial axing. Oates and Thaiday are two of Brisbane’s favourite sons after playing over 500 games combined for the Broncos.