Parker not considering an NRL rest

Brisbane back-rower Corey Parker says he won’t consider sitting out Saturday night’s NRL qualifying final with North Queensland despite the Broncos securing a double chance.

Parker, 33, says he is taking every precaution in a bid to overcome a hamstring twinge and prove his fitness for the Suncorp Stadium derby.

Parker said he would know his fate after Friday’s training session.

However, Parker claimed he had never considered resting up his troublesome hamstring for one week and relying on No.2 seed Brisbane’s finals second chance.

If Brisbane win they earn a preliminary final and a week off.

If they lose they next play the winner of this weekend’s Sharks-South Sydney finals clash.

“People say we have got two bites at the cherry, I would prefer just one bite,” Parker told Fox Sports TV.

“I don’t like missing footy at the best of times let alone a home final against the Cowboys.”

In his 15th NRL season, Parker sent a scare through the Broncos camp when he failed to finish training on Wednesday.

Parker confirmed he would return to the training paddock on Friday for a session that would determine whether he played the finals opener.

“We like to train with the intensity we like to play so that will determine whether I will be right to go or not,” he said.

“I am not sure about a race against time but certainly I am taking every precaution to make sure I am right to go on Saturday.

“I don’t like to miss training sessions or games but you look at the bigger picture.

“But I am pretty confident I will be right.”

Brisbane back-rower Alex Glenn has been cleared to play the qualifying final after overcoming a foot strain that forced his early training exit on Tuesday.

North Queensland have a 3-0 finals record against Brisbane.

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