Broncos bite over schedule bias claim

Brisbane skipper Corey Parker has bitten back at suggestions the Queensland glamour club receive preferential treatment with match scheduling.

Gold Coast co-captain Nathan Friend fired the first shot ahead of Friday night’s derby elimination final at Suncorp Stadium when he said the Broncos received the rub of the green with their schedule.

The Broncos have long been the envy of other clubs because they are favoured by broadcaster Nine Network and often assigned to play in the primetime Friday night slot.

Of the Broncos’ 24 games this year, 10 were scheduled for the last day of the working week.

It’s argued the Broncos receive a big advantage because of the consistency of their turnarounds, as well as added ability to attract sponsors through the prime television exposure.

However Parker fired back on Monday, saying the draw was none of the Broncos’ doing.

“We’ve got no control over that,” Parker said.

“The NRL do all the scheduling of games and it happens that we play another Friday night game.

“It doesn’t really matter when you play at this time of year.

“Eight teams aren’t playing so you take some satisfaction out of that.

“Whether it’s Friday, Saturday or Sunday, everyone’s got a job to do.”

The Broncos and Titans will meet just six days after the Gold Coast’s final round loss to North Queensland in Townsville however Wayne Bennett’s side will have eight days to prepare.

The NRL scheduling is currently controlled by broadcasters Nine Network and Fox Sports, however the game’s governing body will take back control under the next TV deal which comes into effect in 2018.

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