Corey Parker

Corey Parker's Origin story is one of perseverance and self-belief. After playing three Origin matches in the 2004 and 2005 series, Parker did not wear the Maroon of his State again until 2011, with many people having written him off in the intervening years.

A Logan Brothers' junior, Parker signed with the Broncos when he was 17, having represented Australian Schoolboys. He was selected for the Junior Kangaroos in 2000, alongside future Origin stars, Justin Hodges, Brent Tate and Ashley Harrison.

Parker made his NRL debut for the Broncos against the Warriors in Auckland in 2001.

In 2004, Parker made his Origin debut in Game II at Suncorp Stadium, a match won 22-18 by Queensland. In 2006, he came off the bench in the Broncos' 15-8 win over Melbourne Storm in the NRL grand final, playing magnificently, as the Broncos forwards took on the Storm pack at their own game.

Parker returned to the Origin arena in 2011, and became an integral member of the Queensland pack for the next seven series, a player capable of turning the tide of a game. He also made his Test debut in 2011, and went on to play 13 Tests, helping Australia to World Cup success in 2013.

In 2015, Parker succeeded Darren Lockyer as the highest scoring Broncos' player of all time, and was rewarded with captaincy of the club the following season. 

In 2016, after 347 NRL appearances for the Broncos, Parker announced his retirement, leaving a huge gap to fill at the club.

One of my biggest motivating factors going into games of rugby league is not to let my mates down”.

Corey Parker FOG #146

The goal kicking forward proved himself one of the code's most valuable and durable forwards, with an unmatched work ethic. His role models as a youngster were the likes of warhorse forwards Shane Webcke and Andrew Gee, and he followed their creed of never giving up, whether playing lock, second row or prop. Right up until his last game for the Broncos - a 26-20 loss to the Cowboys in the 2016 finals series - he produced exceptional form.

Parker finished his illustrious career as the highest point scorer in Broncos' history, with 1328 points. He also holds the club record for the most goals in a match - 10 against Penrith in 2008.

He won the Paul Morgan Medal as the Broncos Best Player in 2009, 2013 and 2015.

In retirement, Parker has forged an impressive career in the media, as a commentator and analyst.

He also has been involved with coaching at the Broncos, and in Queensland camps.