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http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/n...arker-exile-over/story-e6frfgbo-1226055912175Taylor's on outer, Parker exile over
- Peter Badel and Matt Marshall
- From: The Sunday Telegraph
- May 15, 2011 12:00AM
Nobrainer: Broncos stalwart Corey Parker is in serious contention to pull on a Maroons jersey after a six year absense from the Origin arena. Picture: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images. Source: The Daily Telegraph
SOUTH Sydney forward Dave Taylor is facing the axe from
Queensland's Origin team, but Broncos veteran Corey Parker is poised for a return after a six-year absence
Parker has rocketed into the selection frame for Origin I as he vies with Cowboys lock Dallas Johnson for a bench spot. The Maroons will announce their team on Tuesday.
Parker produced another barnstorming display against the Panthers on Friday night, making 38 tackles and running for 120m from 18 hit-ups in his side's 33-10 loss.
Maroons selector Alan Smith confirmed the panel will seriously discuss Parker and Johnson, who was an integral member of Queensland's starting side before spending the 2010 season at French club Les Catalans.
"We've been really impressed by Corey," Smith said.
"He's been very good for a couple of years now and his name will certainly be discussed, as will Dallas.
"It's no coincidence that the Cowboys' defence this season is a lot better than it has been the last couple of years and Dallas is a big part of that.
He and Corey are well thought of - they are certainly in the mix."
It is understood two interchange berths are up for grabs. One will be claimed by Parker or Johnson, with Warriors forward Jacob Lillyman, who last played for the Maroons in 2008, tipped to clinch the final spot ahead of Taylor.
Prop Ben Hannant and utility Cooper Cronk are believed to be safe on the bench. Willie Tonga will win a reprieve at centre after Justin Hodges injured his hamstring against the Panthers on Friday night.
Matt Scott, Cameron Smith and Petero Civoniceva are the likely engine room, while backrowers Nate Myles, Sam Thaiday and Ashley Harrison are expected to complete the starting pack.
Despite being outstanding for the Broncos for the past three years, Parker has played just three Origin matches. His last was in 2005, with his lengthy absence sparking suggestions the Broncos ironman had fallen out of favour with Queensland selectors.
But Parker's clubmate, Maroons skipper Darren Lockyer, endorsed his Origin recall. He praised Parker's work ethic and consistency, declaring he could add value to the Maroons' pack in the middle or on the fringe.
"A couple of injuries in the forwards have opened up a spot and Corey has been playing exceptionally consistent football for the Broncos for the past three years at least," Lockyer said.
"He's one of those players if you put him in the middle, he's got a big motor and defensively he cleans up a lot of stuff. In attack, he offers the odd offload here and there."
Parker says his passion to represent the Maroons has never diminished.
"You never lose sight of that dream and that desire to play for Queensland," Parker said. "It's always nice to have your name thrown around in that arena, but I've got no control outside of what I do here for the Broncos, which is playing good footy."
Broncos coach Anthony Griffin called for Queensland selectors to end Parker's six-year Origin exile.
"If they are picking the team on club form, Corey as a tight backrower ... well, there hasn't been a better one in the competition this year," Griffin said. "He is an 80-minute player, he can play under fatigue, his efforts in the 70th minute are just as strong as in the seventh minute and that's what you need in Origin.
"He should be right there in the mix."
Bravo.
