Broncos captain Corey Parker set to announce he will retire at end of 2016 season

WHY Broncos captain Corey Parker made the shock decision to retire from rugby league at the end of the year.

COREY Parker said he decided to retire at the end of this season out of a concern that one day next year he might let his teammates down.

Parker said earlier this month that he had spoken to the Broncos about a new contract, so his retirement announcement has come as a shock.

Couriermail.com.au broke the news of Parker’s retirement at 10.25am on Monday.

The 34-year-old spoke to the club several times about a new contract in recent weeks but told his Queensland Origin teammates of his decision on Sunday night.

Many of his Broncos clubmates attended a media announcement at which Parker struggled to maintain his composure, particularly when paying credit to his family.

“I always wanted to do things on my terms and I’m fortunate enough to be able to do that, walk away from the game I love on my terms,’’ Parker said at a press conference on Monday morning.

Corey Parker is set to play his final Origin on home soil on Wednesday night. Picture: Peter Wallis

“One of my biggest motivating factors into games is to not let my mates down. I wouldn’t ever want to get to a point where my mate is looking sideways at me … maybe it’s past him (Parker).

“I’m very fortunate to have 17 years at this great club.

“I debuted for Queensland in 2004 and 2005. I spent six years on the sidelines.

“For me, persistence to get back in that arena was high on my list (of motivating factors). It was a matter of working hard and waiting for an opportunity, which came in 2011.’’

The timing of the announcement will allow the Maroons lock the chance to properly farewell Queensland supporters after Brisbane’s only Origin match of the year on Wednesday night.

The Broncos skipper has wound together a first grade career of 336 games, with only three in front of him, including Darren Lockyer, who played a record of 355 matches.

The 34-year-old would have broken Lockyer’s record by playing into the 2017 season — and done it while being one of the highest workrate players in his teams.

“Sixteen years later to sit here at this club is something I am very proud of,’’ Parker said.

“This day was always going to come but when it comes it’s hard to know how you are going to react.’’

Broncos coach Wayne Bennett, Corey Parker and chief executive Paul White at Monday’s press conference. Picture: Peter Wallis

Retiring as one of Australia’s most productive and energetic forwards, despite his 34 years, Broncos coach Wayne Bennett acknowledged Parker’s Broncos teammates will be given the incentive of sending him out a two-time premiership winner in 2016.

Bennett said Parker knew there was a one-year contract extension there for him if he wanted it.

“I told him I was pleased. I was pleased for him,’’ Bennett said.

“He won the battle (with himself), the honesty part required to make this decision. A part of him wants to play and another part didn’t want his teammates to be looking sideways at him because he’s always played with so much pride.

“You go another year, you take that risk. He knew we would go another year with him if he wanted. It would be a year by year basis.

“The foundation fathers of the club would be so proud of Corey. It was about giving them future long term and making them better men. The Corey Parker who arrived here is a different beast to the one sitting beside me. He had some tough taskmasters, but he’s been a great learner.’’

The announcement will also start speculation about who Wayne Bennett will appoint as Broncos captain next year.

Bennett chose Parker to be his captain for 2016 ahead of candidates such as Andrew McCullough and Ben Hunt.

Corey Parker will retire at the end of the season.

Bennett may consider instead more senior players Adam Blair and Darius Boyd for the captaincy.

Parker made his debut in 2001 and knocked back an approach from Canterbury to forge a career with the Broncos.

Parker’s consistency saw him end a period in the wilderness with the Maroons in 2011, having last played State of Origin in 2005.

“I wouldn’t have made him captain five years ago. He’s done a great job as captain this year,’’ Bennett said.

“He does his best for you. He will do that job for Queensland on Wednesday night. Kevin (Walters) will not have to worry about Corey. He’ll know what Corey will bring.’’

The well-spoken Parker is known to have a number of offers to work in the media and Broncos chief executive Paul White also said there would be a role to be defined for him at the club next year.

Originally published as Broncos captain Corey Parker set to announce he will retire at end of 2016 season