PARKER TO PUT BOOTS ON AGAIN

COREY Parker is coming out of retirement with the 37-yearold Broncos legend set to receive the green light from authorities for a cameo appearance at the NRL Nines tournament.

Brisbane coach Anthony Seibold confirmed Parker’s name was among an 18-strong Broncos squad submitted to the NRL for approval for the return of the nine-a-side format starting in Perth tomorrow week.

Parker retired from the NRL in 2016 after playing 347 games in a stellar 16-season career, but the Origin ironman is dusting off the boots to add experience to a youthful Broncos squad for the fifth edition of the Nines.

The Nines has previously hosted comebacks from retired veterans – Roosters great Brad Fittler played in the 2014 event – and the NRL will rubberstamp Parker’s inclusion in the next 24 hours.

Parker is now a member of Brisbane’s coaching staff and Seibold said the 19-game Queensland Origin warhorse, who has lost about 8kg since his playing days, will relish a return to Broncos colours.

“We’re awaiting approval from the NRL but we’ve asked for Corey to be part of our Nines squad,” Seibold said.

“If he is approved, which we expect, he will wear jersey No.18 and get some limited game time.

“It was my idea – I asked him if he would be keen to play. We have two commitments that weekend.

“Corey is still in great shape. They are only short games, so he may not get a lot of minutes but I like the idea of Corey mentoring the guys. He is doing work with our middle forwards this year so Corey’s experience for the younger blokes will be invaluable.”