Broncos coach says Corey right to reel in the records

BRISBANE coach Anthony Griffin says Corey Parker possesses Darren Lockyer-like leadership traits.

BRISBANE coach Anthony Griffin says Corey Parker possesses Darren Lockyer-like leadership traits as the Broncos workhorse prepares to celebrate his 250th first-grade game, against the Titans on Friday night.

Underlining Parker's contribution to Brisbane's cultural standards, the tackling machine will become the sixth Bronco in the club's 24-year history to reach the 250-game milestone when he runs on to Robina's Skilled Park.

And if he stays injury-free the Maroons forward is six weeks shy of becoming the most-capped forward in the Broncos' glittering history.

Recently turned 30, Parker is within striking distance of his early mentors Shane Webcke (254) and Andrew Gee (255) and also appears certain to pass Allan Langer (258) and Michael Hancock (274) in his mission to join Lockyer (355) as the only members of Brisbane's 300-club.

Remarkably, despite having put his body through weekly batterings for a decade at NRL level, Parker has never been in better form.

He made 61 tackles against the Warriors in Brisbane's 10-8 victory in round 19 and produced a career-defining effort to inspire the Maroons' 21-20 defeat of NSW in the July 4 State of Origin decider.

Never one for fuss or hoopla, Parker was content for his latest feat to fly under the radar but Griffin last night lauded the lock for upholding the club's standards of excellence after Lockyer's retirement.

"The best way to describe Corey is 'a real pro'. He never leaves himself short in his own preparation every week," Griffin said. "He's right up there with the hardest workers I've seen. He has the habits of a Darren Lockyer.

"I only worked with Darren once as a head coach last year but he made sure he had all his own boxes ticked and if he did that he knew he was ready to play. Corey is like that.

"His talent is between his ears. He is not overly quick. Not overly big. Not the biggest hitter, but he gets the most out of himself every week and is very smart. He knows where he has to be at the right time. He has an amazing ability to show up when it's required because he is football smart ... and you can't coach that."

Parker, who made his debut in 2001, has been a revelation this season.

The former Test lock is averaging 41.7 tackles and 125.3 running metres a game and needs 62 more points to notch up 1000 for his career.

All this from a man who stayed true to himself and refused to be bitter despite missing out on the Broncos captaincy to Sam Thaiday in the pre-season.

"The way he has carried himself since typifies what a magnificent team player Corey is," Griffin said.

"To play 250 games is a special achievement."

MOST FIRST-GRADE GAMES FOR BRISBANE

PLAYER                                          GAMES

Darren Lockyer (1995-2011)      355

Michael Hancock (1988-2000)   274

Allan Langer (1988-2002)           258

Andrew Gee (1989-2003)           255

Shane Webcke (1995-2006)      254

Corey Parker (2001-2012)          249*