Parker accepts end of road

COREY Parker has broken his silence on his tough Four Nations axing.

Parker, Josh McGuire and Sharks premiership-winner Paul Gallen were the major omissions from the Kangaroos squad which flew out yesterday for the Four Nations tournament in England.

The retiring Parker had made himself available for selection and was hopeful of being picked for Australia’s series opener against Scotland in Hull next Friday.

“Look, it was disappointing,” said the 34-year-old, a member of Australia’s victorious 2013 World Cup team. “I was hopeful of being picked but it wasn’t to be, so now I’m retired.

“There’s not much I can say really that changes things.

“I spoke to Mal (Meninga). He called me and let me know the direction in which they were going. You can’t take anything for granted.”

DOWN AND OUT: Corey Parker says his Test snubbing was a tough pill but he knows the Kangaroos also had to move on from him.