Corey Parker's first contract with Brisbane more than a decade ago netted the youngster only a few thousand dollars - but he still couldn't sign it quick enough.

On Wednesday, the goal-kicking lock signed a new three-year deal more fitting of his place as one of the NRL's most consistent performers.

"It was a two-year deal worth about two or three thousand dollars," Parker said of his first Broncos contract.

"They could have paid me two or three dollars and I'd have signed."

Parker's latest deal secures his career until 2014 and gives him a shot at joining club legend Darren Lockyer as only the second Bronco to play 300 games.

It also puts him in the picture to take over the captaincy when Lockyer hangs up his boots for good at the end of the season.

It's doubtful Brisbane have received better value from any player to come through Red Hill since 1988.

Another Cyril Connell discovery, Parker, 28, is in career-best form.

Along with Lockyer they're the reason Brisbane are sitting on top of the NRL ladder after seven rounds.

Parker scored his first deal with Brisbane after being part of a crack Australian Schoolboys side in 1999 which included Justin Hodges, Mark Gasnier, Brent Tate and Braith Anasta.

"Cyril signed me, Justin Hodges and Brent Tate," Parker told AAP on Wednesday.

"It was always a boyhood dream to play for Brisbane.

"I love the club. I've had some great memories, including my first game (against the Warriors in 2001) and the 2006 grand final win, which will always be special."

Parker, who has always negotiated his own contracts, said it was a good feeling having his future tucked away with his wife Margaux due to give birth to their second child.

A Logan Brothers junior, Parker attended school at Beaudesert and always admired Brisbane prop Andrew Gee, now the club's general manager of operations.

"He was someone I looked up to then and still do. Shane Webcke was another one, the way they went about things," he said.

"I took advice from them, picked up some of their traits and it's been great.

"Hopefully I can do the same for some of the young players coming through."

Parker meanwhile hasn't given up hope of a State of Origin recall and his 2011 figures stack up favourably against current Maroon back-rowers Ashley Harrison and Dallas Johnson.

Seven games into the season, he is averaging an impressive 17 hit-ups, 124 metres, 4.5 tackle busts and 38.8 tackles a game.

"It's a difficult side to make, they've won five (series) in a row," he said of Queensland.

"But it's a desire I still have."

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP