Super Freak
International Captain
Forum Staff
- Jan 25, 2014
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COREY Parker has begun talks on a new contract that could see him surpass Broncos legend Darren Lockyer as the NRL’s most capped player.
In a remarkable display of longevity, Parker plans to play beyond his 35th birthday after starting preliminary negotiations to remain at the Broncos until the end of 2018.
Should the Broncos agree to a two-year extension, Parker will be on course to play 18 seasons of NRL after making his debut as an 18-year-old in 2001.
Parker’s finest accomplishment would be eclipsing Lockyer, who holds the NRL record for most premiership games with 355 between 1995-2011.
Parker, who is off contract next year and has 323 first-grade games for Brisbane, will go within striking distance of Lockyer if he remains injury-free next season.
One final contract would all-but guarantee Parker, who turns 34 next May, leapfrogs Lockyer and becomes the greatest ironman in the code’s 108-year history.
Next season was tipped to be Parker’s last but he confirmed retirement was the last thing on his mind as he chased a new deal.
“My intentions are to stay at the club,” he said. “The talks are very informal at the moment. I have the desire and the want to keep competing (beyond the 2016 season), but there’s two sides at the negotiating table so we’ll see how the Broncos feel.
“You have to set yourself new challenges and all along I’ve felt if I’m still enjoying it and the body feels right I’ll keep going.
“I’m getting older now so it’s important to stay on top of things. The body feels good, I’ve had a good break to clear my head for another season and I’m really looking forward to it.”
Parker’s intention to play on also has ramifications for Brisbane’s captaincy debate.
Coach Wayne Bennett is reluctant to install another short-term skipper after Justin Hodges’ 12-month stint last season. If Parker remained at Red Hill for at least another two years, he would be the favourite for the captaincy ahead of Ben Hunt and Darius Boyd.
Bennett’s believes great players should never risk tainting their reputation by playing a year too long but he admits Parker has the right attitude to endure beyond next season.
“It will all be determined by Corey’s performances, plain and simple,” Bennett said.
“He has been a wonderful performer so that’s not in question, but age is always an issue at this stage of his career.
“If Corey keeps performing, I don’t have a problem with him going on.
“You need some luck with injuries. For Corey to be close to Darren’s record is a wonderful achievement.
“What’s phenomenal about Corey is that he’s not a huge forward. He’s not the biggest guy and he’s not blessed with great footwork but he is a wonderful professional.
“He knows his job. He knows how much contact he will take each week, how many tackles he has to make.
“He knows what the price is, he is happy to pay that and if he keeps paying it and his body holds up, he could keep on going for another three years.’’
http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport...r/news-story/1b8ada65557d82bd601bf15310412ba9
In a remarkable display of longevity, Parker plans to play beyond his 35th birthday after starting preliminary negotiations to remain at the Broncos until the end of 2018.
Should the Broncos agree to a two-year extension, Parker will be on course to play 18 seasons of NRL after making his debut as an 18-year-old in 2001.
Parker’s finest accomplishment would be eclipsing Lockyer, who holds the NRL record for most premiership games with 355 between 1995-2011.
Parker, who is off contract next year and has 323 first-grade games for Brisbane, will go within striking distance of Lockyer if he remains injury-free next season.
One final contract would all-but guarantee Parker, who turns 34 next May, leapfrogs Lockyer and becomes the greatest ironman in the code’s 108-year history.
Next season was tipped to be Parker’s last but he confirmed retirement was the last thing on his mind as he chased a new deal.
“My intentions are to stay at the club,” he said. “The talks are very informal at the moment. I have the desire and the want to keep competing (beyond the 2016 season), but there’s two sides at the negotiating table so we’ll see how the Broncos feel.
“You have to set yourself new challenges and all along I’ve felt if I’m still enjoying it and the body feels right I’ll keep going.
“I’m getting older now so it’s important to stay on top of things. The body feels good, I’ve had a good break to clear my head for another season and I’m really looking forward to it.”
Parker’s intention to play on also has ramifications for Brisbane’s captaincy debate.
Coach Wayne Bennett is reluctant to install another short-term skipper after Justin Hodges’ 12-month stint last season. If Parker remained at Red Hill for at least another two years, he would be the favourite for the captaincy ahead of Ben Hunt and Darius Boyd.
Bennett’s believes great players should never risk tainting their reputation by playing a year too long but he admits Parker has the right attitude to endure beyond next season.
“It will all be determined by Corey’s performances, plain and simple,” Bennett said.
“He has been a wonderful performer so that’s not in question, but age is always an issue at this stage of his career.
“If Corey keeps performing, I don’t have a problem with him going on.
“You need some luck with injuries. For Corey to be close to Darren’s record is a wonderful achievement.
“What’s phenomenal about Corey is that he’s not a huge forward. He’s not the biggest guy and he’s not blessed with great footwork but he is a wonderful professional.
“He knows his job. He knows how much contact he will take each week, how many tackles he has to make.
“He knows what the price is, he is happy to pay that and if he keeps paying it and his body holds up, he could keep on going for another three years.’’
http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport...r/news-story/1b8ada65557d82bd601bf15310412ba9
