WAYNE Bennett admits it wasn't a hard choice to install Corey Parker as the NRMA Insurance Broncos' captain today
For Bennett the words and actions of Corey Parker can sit alongside names like Lewis, Langer and Lockyer.
"He epitomises what all the Bronco captains that I have appointed here do and that is lead from the front," said Bennett today.
"He has a great ability to communicate but his actions are stronger than his words.
"Corey does a great job in that department.
"He has had the respect of the players here for a long period of time, which is really important in that job.
"He will lead them with actions more than his words."
Bennett said Parker had benefitted from an amazing apprenticeship at the Broncos.
Joining the club for the 2000 season, he worked in the glare of the ethical leadership of guys like Shane Webcke, Andrew Gee, Brad Thorn and Petero Civoniceva.
Those lessons rubbed off and have been a huge part of his journey to mow.
"He came here as a kid and I was a much younger coach then," said Bennett.
"He has always done his best and I admire that in a player.
"He had some great men here when he came here as a kid like Shane Webcke and Petero, and he was smart enough to hang around those guys and learn the lessons.
"He made himself an extremely good professional.
"And that's what the good players do - they don't just turn up on game day and try to get it right.
"They get it right all week, and he does that all year."
Parker said he was still somewhat taken aback by the honour.
"I was only just reflecting on it yesterday," he said.
"To come to this club when I finished school in 1999 and to be here leading 17 years later is something very special."
Bennett - Why I Chose Captain Corey - Broncos
