“That is rubbish“: Parker slams critics of Slater's Cobbo plan

Queensland Maroons and Brisbane Broncos legend Corey Parker has labelled suggestions Selwyn Cobbo may not hit the field in tonight’s Origin opener as “rubbish” as both teams finalise preparations for Game I.

Uncertainty still surrounds how the Broncos boom centre will be used after coach Billy Slater’s controversial choice to select an outside back on the bench instead of another forward.

But Parker said he believed Cobbo would play a role in the opener, regardless of whether there was an injury in the backs or not.

“I do not have one concern whatsoever with Selwyn Cobbo starting the game off the bench,” Parker said on SENQ Mornings.

“There’s been some pretty high-profile people questioning (Cobbo’s selection)… but from my personal opinion it doesn’t worry me whatsoever.

“It provides cover in the backline, if we did have an injury, well there’s no drama there… let’s just assume everything goes well and some people have suggested well maybe Selwyn Cobbo doesn’t even get on, that is rubbish.

“You can’t play an Origin match with only 16 players, Cobbo will 100 per cent get on.”

Asked where he would play if there were no injuries in the backs, Parker said Cobbo could play anywhere on the field.

“He’ll play wherever he wants to… he’ll play in the middle and do whatever he wants,” he said.

“105kg and six foot two and has such great athleticism, is hard and has great footwork and is strong.”

Parker also referenced players such as Kalyn Ponga playing different positions and even Brent Tate playing off the bench during his Origin career.

Game I is at Accor Stadium with Game II at the MCG and the closing game at Suncorp Stadium.