Corey Parker doesn't want the publicity reserved for the game's stars but his skipper Darren Lockyer believes his tireless efforts often make the difference for Brisbane.

It's not that he doesn't earn the recognition, it's that he's always been surrounded by superstars playing for the Broncos.

Parker has been one of rugby league's most consistent performers for a decade.

For him, it's enough just knowing he comes off the field each week having done the job for his team and his coach.

Few do it better week-in and week-out than the 28 year-old who delivers what all NRL coaches want - consistency.

He's delivered for Wayne Bennett, Ivan Henjak and now NRL rookie Anthony Griffin since breaking into the Broncos pack a decade ago as a bald-headed front-rower.

These days, he sports a healthy head of hair, is married and the father of a soon to be one year-old daughter, Memphis.

About the only thing that hasn't changed in Parker's life is the committed way he plays rugby league.

"Corey is one of those guys like Nathan Hindmarsh and Ashley Harrison who, while they don't get a lot of raps, their contribution often makes the difference," Lockyer told AAP.

"The last few years by his own admission he's become a lot better trainer. He's been exceptional for us for the past few years, he's a real pro."

"He's an 80 minute player who keeps knocking up tackles, taking the hard hit ups and the pressure kicks.

"The more experienced blokes like myself really appreciate his high work ethic."

Lockyer said Parker enjoyed competing against the young players coming through the system.

It's helped him survive a changing of the guard in Brisbane's pack which has some new faces tipped to be household names in the future.

Parker played State of Origin for Queensland in 2004-05.

It's a tribute to his ability to re-invent himself that he's playing better now than during his representative years.

"I think he's playing better football now and he's more experienced than when he was playing rep footy," said Lockyer.

"It's tough to get into the rep sides at the moment because of the success Queensland have had."

Parker has started the 2011 season in great touch.

In round one against the Cowboys he ground out 175 metres, broke eight tackles, served up five off-loads and made 20 tackles.

Against a physical Canberra pack last weekend he made more runs than any of his teammates - 19 for 132 metres - bettered for distance only by winger Jharal Yow Yeh (141 metres from 15 runs).

He also led Brisbane's tackle tally with 39, inspiring teammates to one of the club's best defensive nights in years, according to club legend Allan Langer.

"Corey doesn't get a lot of raps, but he is one player who thoroughly deserves them," Lockyer said.

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