NRL veteran Corey Parker announces retirement

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Broncos captain Corey Parker has announced his retirement from NRL.

In a statement from the Brisbane Broncos, the 34-year-old revealed that 2016 will be his final year.

“I have been very fortunate to fulfil a childhood dream to play for the Broncos,” Parker said.

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“At some stage all good things come to an end, and 2016 will be the end of my playing career, but the start of my new journey off the field in which I will remain part of the game.

“I’d like to thank my family and close friends, my teammates and coaches over 16 years, the Broncos’ club, members and fans, and the game of rugby league as a whole.”

The announcement comes as Parker prepares to play what will now be his final State of Origin match on home soil when Queensland face NSW on Wednesday night.

An emotional Parker made the official announcement at a Broncos press conference this morning.

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Broncos’ chief executive Paul White said Parker’s career epitomised the hard work and dedication it took to become an elite player in the NRL

“Corey is a role model for what the Broncos stand for as a club – he started here as a teenager and will finish his career here,” said White.

“Not many people get to do that in the NRL, but he has earned that respect and the right to retire on his own terms.

Parker has played 336 games for the Broncos, 17 State of Origin games for the Maroons and 13 tests for Australia.

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