Corey Parker's defensive heroics during Brisbane's gritty 14-8 NRL win over Gold Coast last weekend got lost in the excitement over Justin Hodges' eye-catching comeback.

It didn't make the headlines at the time, but the tireless Broncos lock churned through a career-best 65 tackles in 80 minutes - the most by an NRL player since Nathan Hindmarsh's astonishing 69 tackles against Melbourne in 2007.

It knocked off David Stagg's Brisbane record of 59 tackles which he made against Cronulla in 2005.

Parker's magnificent tackling effort was just as important as Hodges' 72nd minute try that clinched the win.

It's part of a high standard the 28 year-old forward has set himself this season as the leader of a young Broncos pack.

"Corey's work rate and the quality of his work keeps improving," said Brisbane coach Anthony Griffin.

"He's maturing and he knows how to get himself around the park better.

"He is doing a really good job as a leader. He's given us some stability there.

"The fact he can get through 80 minutes and he's got that high work rate takes the pressure off your interchange as well."

Parker warned Friday night's rivals Penrith posed a threat despite being belted last weekend by Cronulla.

There's been a trend so far this NRL season for teams thrashed one weekend, to hit back the next.

"We can only assume the Penrith team we will play are going to be red hot and desperate for a win," said Parker, adding Panthers skipper Petero Civoniceva's availability - thanks to his escape from a judiciary charge following a high tackle in the match against the Sharks - would make it even tougher for the Broncos.

"Petero is one of those guys who's done everything in the game but he keeps coming week in, week out and it won't be any different on Friday night."

Meanwhile young speedster Gerard Beale will line-up in his third position of the season, after being selected at fullback.

Beale played centre against North Queensland and Canberra and started last week's game against the Titans on the wing.

He finished the match at the back after Josh Hoffman suffered a bad shin cork just before halftime and he'll start in the No.1 jersey this week.

The 20-year-old came up with the play of the game, stopping a try-bound William Zillman centimetres from the line, and his speed saved a number of other dangerous situations.

Nineteen-year-old Dale Copley gets a call-up to the wing in the only forced change to the 17-man squad that grafted out a 14-8 win over the Gold Coast.

Parker said skipper Darren Lockyer's retirement announcement on Monday had not affected preparations for the game.

"I don't think it's had an effect on the playing group," said Parker, one of the players in line to take over the Broncos' captaincy in 2012.

"Obviously it's had a massive effect on rugby league, we're going to be losing Darren Lockyer at the end of the year."

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