BRONCOS skipper Corey Parker has called time on one of the NRL’s most enduring careers, confirming the 2016 season will be his last.

The Brisbane warhorse had been in talks with the club regarding a one-year extension for much of the year, but will instead finish up after 16 seasons in the maroon and gold.

Parker has played 336 games for the Broncos, which places him equal fourth with Brad Fittler on the all-time list for most games played.

Only Darren Lockyer (355), Terry Lamb (350) and Steve Menzies (349) have played more.

Round 19

Should the Broncos go all the way to the grand final and Parker play in each of the 13 games that would take, he will equal former Manly and Northern Eagles back-rower Steve Menzies’ 349-game mark for most premiership games ever played in the forwards.

Corey Parker’s career stats. Source: FOX SPORTS

Renowned as one of the NRL’s most durable players, Parker confirmed the news at a press conference on Tuesday morning.

“This day was always going to come, it does for everyone. You never know how you’re going to react when it gets here,” Parker said.

“16 years later to still be able to sit here in the colours of this club is something I’m very proud of.”

Parker has also played 13 Tests for Australia and 17 State of Origin games for the Maroons, an incredible feat considering he spent five years unable to get a look into Queensland’s all-conquering sides between 2006 and 2011.

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Parker, 34, has since been one of the first players picked for the Maroons, and has a chance to wrap up a fifth Origin series win when he lines up for his final outing at Suncorp Stadium in game two on Wednesday night.

Parker’s sublime form during his twilight years has defied conventional rugby league wisdom, with Dally M Lock of the Year honours coming in 2013 and his form showing no signs of wavering at an age when most players have already hung up the boots.

Having debuted in 2001 as a 19-year-old firebrand, Parker was a key component in the Broncos’ 2006 premiership tilt, playing from the bench in their 15-8 grand final defeat of Melbourne.

From that year on Parker has regularly assumed Brisbane’s goalkicking duties, and has amassed 1,302 points from 573 goals and 39 tries to date — the third most by any forward behind Cameron Smith and Craig Fitzgibbon.

In 2014 Parker was named co-captain of the Broncos under then-coach Anthony Griffin alongside Justin Hodges.

Wayne Bennett again handed Parker the role this season following Hodges retirement after last year’s grand final loss to the Cowboys.

This writer is on Twitter: @dan_walsh64

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