PRE-GAME Qualifying Final - Broncos vs Cowboys

[Super Freak]

A HAMSTRING injury to star backrower Corey Parker has thrown a scare into the Broncos’ camp ahead of Saturday’s finals blockbuster against the Cowboys.

Parker started the training session strongly but failed to finish, retreating to the Broncos gymnasium where ice was immediately strapped to his right hamstring.

The potential loss of Parker would be a huge blow to the Broncos given his experience, workrate, goalkicking and cool head in Brisbane’s midfield.

Broncos players today tried to downplay the severity of the injury but even if Parker decides to take on the Cowboys, there is a risk of aggravating the ailment.

“I am sure he will be fine, it will take a lot more than that to stop Corey going out there on the field,” said forward Sam Thaiday.

“He is feeling a bit old, it’s been a long year for him so he’s just being smart about it.

“He will want to get out there for sure.

“I have played lock before so I could cover there. We will be sweet. We aren’t stressing too much.”

In-form back-rower Alex Glenn said Parker would do everything possible to be on deck for his 322nd NRL game.

“Cozza is good. He is icing up at the moment,” he said. “His hamstring felt a bit funny yesterday so he knows his body well. He has gone in for some treatment and should be okay for our final run on Friday.”

Glenn also dismissed concerns over a foot strain he suffered against the Rabbitohs a fortnight ago.

“The body is great,” he said. “I got rested yesterday, it was precautionary but I felt great out there today.

“I had a strain in my foot, I did it against the Rabbitohs but missing last week (due to suspension) worked well for me.”

http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport.../story-fniabm4i-1227519157017?from=public_rss

 

[Super Freak]

The potential loss of Parker would be a huge blow to the Broncos given his experience, workrate, goalkicking and cool head in Brisbane’s midfield.

There was a time I would have laughed at this..

But he has improved this year and Kahu hasn't exactly been any better himself.

 

[redbur95]

Even the Broncos website is admitting that our side last year was shite: Parker - This Is Different - Broncos

For the record, here's a direct comparison between the final we played last year versus this year:

BRONCOS TEAMS FOR WEEK ONE OF THE FINALS:

2015	2014
1. Darius Boyd	1. Justin Hodges
2. Corey Oates	2. Daniel Vidot
3. Jack Reed	3. Dale Copley
4. Justin Hodges	4. Jordan Kahu
5. Jordan Kahu	5. Lachlan Maranta
6. Anthony Milford	6. Ben Barba
7. Ben Hunt	7. Ben Hunt
8. Sam Thaiday	8. Josh McGuire
9. Andrew McCullough	9. Andrew McCullough
10. Adam Blair	10. Corey Parker
11. Alex Glenn	11. Alex Glenn
12. Matt Gillett	12. Matt Gillett
13. Corey Parker	13. Sam Thaiday
Interchange	Interchange
14. Jarrod Wallace	14. Jarrod Wallace
15. Mitchell Dodds	15. Martin Kennedy
16. Joe Ofahengaue	16. Ben Hannant
17. Kodi Nikorima	17. Corey Oates

 

[I bleed Maroon]

Even the Broncos website is admitting that our side last year was shite: Parker - This Is Different - Broncos

For the record, here's a direct comparison between the final we played last year versus this year:

BRONCOS TEAMS FOR WEEK ONE OF THE FINALS:

2015	2014
1. Darius Boyd	1. Justin Hodges
2. Corey Oates	2. Daniel Vidot
3. Jack Reed	3. Dale Copley
4. Justin Hodges	4. Jordan Kahu
5. Jordan Kahu	5. Lachlan Maranta
6. Anthony Milford	6. Ben Barba
7. Ben Hunt	7. Ben Hunt
8. Sam Thaiday	8. Josh McGuire
9. Andrew McCullough	9. Andrew McCullough
10. Adam Blair	10. Corey Parker
11. Alex Glenn	11. Alex Glenn
12. Matt Gillett	12. Matt Gillett
13. Corey Parker	13. Sam Thaiday
Interchange	Interchange
14. Jarrod Wallace	14. Jarrod Wallace
15. Mitchell Dodds	15. Martin Kennedy
16. Joe Ofahengaue	16. Ben Hannant
17. Kodi Nikorima	17. Corey Oates

We've actually got our players playing in their preferred positions this year instead of being all over the fucking place.

 

[FGfrom50]

No Martin Kennedy either, great buy that he was...

 

[rnabokov]

The key difference between those 2 sides is someone not named.

Wayne Bennett.

 

[Morkel]

The key difference between those 2 sides is someone not named.

Wayne Bennett.

I thought you were going to say Tariq Sims.

 

[rnabokov]

I thought you were going to say Tariq Sims.

Nah, I gave him the cold shoulder

 

[Morkel]

Nah, I gave him the cold shoulder

Was it late?

 

[Broncoman]

The key difference between those 2 sides is someone not named.

Wayne Bennett.

Milford says hi. He makes much more of a difference to the team then what Barba ever did.

 

[rnabokov]

Was it late?

No, it was an early guilty plea.

I watched the '14 game. My goodness you can tell the difference between Griffin and Bennett! We were so disorganised compared to this year, and the defence was ordinary. So different this year - discipline, structure and direction.

Interesting though how Hodges did some very very good things from the back, for mine, much more than Boyd has shown this year. From the highlights, Hodges was so dangerous with the ball, and Kahu showed great speed.

Wonder how that '14 side would have fared under Bennett.

 

[rnabokov]

Milford says hi. He makes much more of a difference to the team then what Barba ever did.

That's so true, but then, Milford owes Bennett big time for bringing out his natural 5/8 game. Bennett is THE difference.

 

[Danoz Direct]

Just thought everyone should give this a watch.

The Breakdown with Matt Elliott: Finals Playmakers, Broncos & Roosters

 

[vertigo]

Interesting though how Hodges did some very very good things from the back, for mine, much more than Boyd has shown this year. From the highlights, Hodges was so dangerous with the ball, and Kahu showed great speed.

Hodgo was in total '**** it - I'll do it all myself' mode when he got shifted to fullback, we weren't going anywhere so there was nothing to lose as far as throwing the ball around.

 

[Super Freak]

Last time we played them at Suncorp.

 

[Socnorb]

Just thought everyone should give this a watch.

The Breakdown with Matt Elliott: Finals Playmakers, Broncos & Roosters

I've always liked Elliott, ever since he tried to hang himself with his tie.

 

[subsbligh]

Dobbo on Triple M this morning quoted Parker saying he won't risk it unless he is 100%.

He said he didn't want to do a major hammy injury and be out for the rest of the finals series.

That, and the fact we have a second chance, might tip the scales against Parker.

We won't know until kick off.

 

[Unbreakable]

Parker said last night on Sterlo that if he was a betting man he'd put money on himself playing, and that it was just precautionary, he'll play.