Manly to feel Brisbane's force: Parker
Experienced forward Corey Parker says regardless what line-up Manly field in the wake of their judiciary dramas they will feel the full force of a Brisbane side revving up for finals football.
Sunday's Suncorp Stadium sellout, when more than 50,000 fans will say thanks to Brisbane skipper Darren Lockyer, has lost much of its punch with the result to have no bearing on where the two sides finish.
Manly could lose several players as punishment for last Friday night's wild brawl at Brookvale Oval while coach Des Hasler has strongly hinted he may also rest one or two stars before the NRL finals.
Manly lock Glenn Stewart, who was referred straight to the judiciary panel for contrary conduct, and teammates Darcy Lussick, Brett Stewart, Kieran Foran, and Michael Robertson were all charged on Monday.
While circumstances will rob what a few weeks ago shaped as one of the games of the year, Parker said the hot competition for places in Brisbane's pack would guarantee every player gave their best.
"There's pride in this club and expectation in this club, regardless of whether we can move forward or not," Parker said.
"You want to gauge yourself against a side in front of us and they're ahead us.
"You just don't turn up turn in a lacklustre or half-baked performance.
"You want to go up a gear and we'll need to go up a gear in the finals.
"The fans will be out to see Lockyer play his last home and away game and they deserve to see us play our best."
Parker doubted any Brisbane player would volunteer to sit out despite nothing riding on the outcome.
"I guess the only player that won't be available will be Justin Hodges (hamstring)," he said.
"If Dessy Hasler wants to rest any players that's his decision.
"I know the competition in this team, certainly in the forwards, if you're not in the side, you don't know if you'll be in the next week."
Parker, who played his way back into a Queensland State of Origin jumper this year, continued his standout form against Souths at the weekend, churning through 42 tackles and grinding out an impressive 199 metres in energy-sapping conditions.
"I've got a job to do in this team and I set out every game to do that," he said.
"It's a personal thing to do a job and to do it well."
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