Corey Parker pushing for Origin recall - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Corey Parker pushing for Origin recall

Wayne Heming 10/05/2011 06:28:53 PM Comments (0)

Brisbane back-rower Corey Parker is mounting a compelling case for a State of Origin recall on the back of some of the best form of his career.

"It's the best I've seen him play. He should be right in there if they (selectors) are fair dinkum about picking a forward pack," declared Brisbane coach Anthony Griffin a week before Queensland's Origin squad is named.

"He's a real Origin player.

"He can make multiple efforts while he's fatigued in the defensive line and he can apply fifth play pressure when he's fatigued.

"He'll carry the ball 20 times if you need him to, he's got those real Origin qualities about him.

"He has to be right on the cusp of being in there if they're picking the team on form."

The Broncos lock, who became a father for the second time on Sunday with the birth of son Wylei Cash, has not played Origin since 2005 but his form almost demands Queensland selectors give serious thought to resurrecting his representative career.

He has picked up his form even more in the past month to a point where he must be pushing Ashley Harrison and back-rower Dallas Johnson for a back row spot in Queensland's pack for Origin I at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday week.

His 2011 early season stats coming off a great 2010 give him undeniable claims when compared to Harrison, who, as the incumbent, would be very hard to budge.

Titans coach John Cartwright was confident Harrison would keep his No.13 jumper against all comers.

I don't know what the selectors are thinking but I would say Ashley Harrison would be a shoo in for Origin, he would be the first one picked if it was up to me," said Cartwright who also said NSW selectors should trust Greg Bird to do a job in the No.6 jumper.

"I would be surprised if he (Bird) is not in the NSW side," he said on Tuesday.

"He has only missed one game for us and that was through suspension, he is match fit, his body is good, there is no reason why he wouldn't be there."

IfQueensland selectors are doing their job they would have to be hugely impressed with how high Parker has set the bar.

He is not only busting tackles at will (four a game) and offloading in traffic (2.1 a game) but his work rate is superior to his rivals vying for Origin selection.

Averaging almost 18 runs a game for 135.1 metres and 38 tackles, there are few if any players who match his output as an 80-minute performer, plus he can kick goals.

Parker's start to 2011 has been so impressive the club last month moved to re-sign him until 2014 with a view to him taking over the captaincy next season when Darren Lockyer retires.

"Corey, Sam Thaiday and Alex Glenn have been spoken about as future captains," said Griffin.

"Corey has earned his stripes and he is developing as a leader."

Queensland selectors will name Mal Meninga's 17-man squad next Tuesday and another big game against Penrith on Sunday will add even more weight to Parker's push.

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