In a move that may further complicate Sam Thaiday’s future, Corey Parker says he will soon sign off on a 12-month extension and has no plans of retiring any time soon.
The veteran back-rower is on track to shatter Darren Lockyer’s 355-game club record after confirming he will take up a contract option that will keep him at Brisbane until the end of 2016.
Parker – 33 in May – says he can’t see an end in sight to his career under master coach Wayne Bennett, who is vowing to return six-time premiers Brisbane to the form of their hey day.
Asked how much longer he would like to play, the 302-game back-rower said: “How long is a piece of string?
“I have always said as long as I am playing competitive football and still enjoying it there will be no timeline on when I hang the boots up,” he said.
“I don’t see myself not playing any time soon.”
Parker’s move creates less salary cap wriggle room for off contract teammate Thaiday who reportedly has six weeks to show he is worthy of a new Broncos deal.
It is believed Brisbane has suspended talks with Thaiday until the end of April in order to gauge his form.
“It’s obviously very topical at the moment. You guys are searching pretty hard for the Sam story,” Parker said of Thaiday’s plight.
“We have been in the game long enough to know this is part and parcel of what we do.
“Sam has got pride in what he does on the field and that won’t change, it just gives you guys something to write about.
“I am sure something will sort itself out.”
Parker is believed to have knocked back offers from English Super League clubs to take up his 12-month option next year as Bennett pursues title No.8.
“There’s a good vibe here. There’s huge potential in this side and I want to be a part of that,” he said.
But Parker believed long suffering fans would need to be patient, saying they were nowhere near fulfilling their potential despite a promising 2-1 season start.
“We are kidding ourselves if we think we are close to it now,” he said.
“We have had some success but if we are being realistic there is still a long way we need to go to improve – that’s the challenge for us.”
Brisbane leave for New Zealand on Friday ahead of Sunday’s away clash with the Warriors.
