Former Brisbane Broncos great Corey Parker has challenged the Broncos’ younger crop of players to step up in 2024 following the departure of experienced players.
The 2023 Grand Finalists have suffered heavy losses over the off-season with Kurt Capewell leaving to the Warriors, Keenan Palasia to the Gold Coast and Thomas Flegler as well as Herbie Farnworth both joining the Dolphins.
All four players featured in Brisbane’s Grand Final side and if they are to return to the decider, Parker believes the Broncos’ emerging talent needs to make an instant impact.
“It’s a question that’s been asked a fair bit over the summer,” Parker said on SENQ Breakfast.
“There are four to five players missing from the Grand Final side.
“Straight away to start the season, there needs to be four or five people who step up and put their hand up.
“If (those younger players) are prepared to pay the same price that we saw them pay week in and week out last year (then) there’s no reason why they can’t be in that top four mould.
“That will include dialing in on those effort areas that they weren’t so good at the year before.
“The Cowboys went one game from a Grand Final the year before last and then weren’t prepared to do that last year and they didn’t make the eight.
“The big challenge for this year is to see who steps up.”
The Broncos face a tough start to their 2024 campaign as they will be one of four teams to kick off the season at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
Despite the major disruption travelling to America, Parker supports Brisbane and the NRL’s venture into America.
“I think it’s terrific for the game,” Parker added.
“Particularly for where I want to go to the game and Peter V’landys has been at the forefront of all of this.
“Four teams, two games over the weekend and it will be a real Aussie themed week.
“It’s a great spot to start the 2024 season and the teams will deliver. Ultimately it’s a showpiece but it’s still Round 1.
“There are points up for grabs (so) you want to get off to a good start and there’s plenty to play for.”
The Rabbitohs and Sea Eagles will play the first match of the double header fixture before the Broncos face the Roosters.