The Brisbane Broncos have confirmed former NRL greats Corey Parker and Simon Mannering as the club’s NRLW assistant coaches for 2019.

The vastly experienced pair, boasting almost 650 NRL games between them, will work with head coach Kelvin Wright as the Broncos aim up to defend their historic NRLW premiership.

Widely-respected Mannering, a backrower and centre, played 301 games for the New Zealand Warriors from 2005 before retiring at the end of last season as that club’s most-capped player.

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Mannering also played 45 internationals for New Zealand, captaining both his country and club.

Former Broncos captain and 2006 NRL Premiership winner Parker played 347 games for Brisbane between 2001 and 2016 – behind only Darren Lockyer (355) – as well as 19 State of Origin games for Queensland and 13 Tests for Australia.

He also holds the Broncos club point-scoring record with 1328 points from 39 tries and 586 goals.

Parker said he was honoured to be appointed as part of the Broncos NRLW operation.

“There’s a couple of passions in my life – one’s the Brisbane Broncos and two’s coaching – so this presents an opportunity to coach with the club I love,” Corey Parker

“I think the women’s game in the last few years has certainly gone to a whole new level. I’m really fortunate to be able to be part of the Broncos NRLW for 2019 – for me, it’s an easy one.

“It’s a big challenge, although there are only four games for the season, there’s still a fair bit that goes into it. We start officially next week with the preseason beginning, it’s a professionally run outfit and we are ready to go.”