Parker: Obvious choice to replace Reynolds as Broncos captain

As the dust settles on the double whammy of bombshells at the Broncos, attention turns to who might captain the side in 2027 and fill the looming voids.

In the space of 24 hours this week it was confirmed that Payne Haas would join the Rabbitohs in 2027 and that this season would be Adam Reynolds’ last before retirement.

It leave Michael Maguire with some big decisions to make and big gaps to fill.

For Corey Parker the captaincy is clear, Pat Carrigan is the heir apparent and at 28-years-old is more than ready for the honour – this time around.

“He’s had it before,” Parker said on SENQ Breakfast. “I was critical back then when he did get it. I thought the pressure was unfairly put on him at a young age.

“Being the captain of the Broncos is a privilege. That’s how I took it and I’m not saying he didn’t see it that way. But when he was given the captaincy, he was way too young in his career.

“He is a captain. Absolutely, he will be front and centre to find himself in that position.”

And it’s not just Parker that Carrigan has in his corner.

Having confirmed his decision to make this season his last, Reynolds was asked for his pick.

“He’s done a lot of great things for this club,” he said in reference to Carrigan.

“He’s stood in a number of times. Obviously, when I’m not there, he’s the next man up.

“He’s a big part of the fabric of this club. He’s been here for a very long time.

“I see him as an extremely important leader among our team as well.

“We’ve got a number of leaders in the club that could lead the team out, but he’d be my pick.”

The Broncos have now departed for England where they will play Hull in the World Club Challenge on February 20 (AEDT).