Representative forward Corey Parker has scoffed at weekend speculation linking Brisbane to dumped rugby union star Quade Cooper, declaring the NRL club already had enough talent to win a premiership.
Parker also lampooned media reports halfback Peter Wallace wanted a release from his contract next season to return home to Penrith because he was upset at the club’s decision to recruit veteran Scott Prince.
“I picked up the paper yesterday (Sunday) and had a chuckle to myself when I read it,” said Parker.
“To be honest, I found it amusing. Wal (Peter Wallace) loves it in Brisbane, he’s served the club well and I don’t see him going anywhere.
“I can assure you he will be here next year.”
The Cooper rumour has been doing the rounds for months.
It flared again on the weekend, with fresh reports Brisbane were circling after Wallaby coach Robbie Deans failed to include the Queensland Reds star in his initial 25-man squad preparing for the three-Test series against the British and Irish Lions.
“Didn’t that come from a tweet from a former rugby player?,” said Parker referring to a Twitter post by ex-Wallaby Tim Horan saying the Broncos would be circling Cooper.
“Nobody at this club has spoken about Quade coming here. I know you guys (media) have got to write a story and you probably got the result you were after.
“He (Cooper) is a talented player in rugby but it’s a tough ask to come across to rugby league.”
Parker, playing great football heading into next month’s State of Origin series, said the players weren’t distracted by the chatter.
“It’s not a a distraction. It’s a little comical at times to see who the next player is who’s coming to the Broncos,” he said.
Parker, 31, believes Brisbane already has a playing roster good enough to be successful this season.
“We’ve got a great squad here moving forward. I think we can do a really good job this season,” he said.