He has appeared in two grand finals for the Brisbane Broncos, won the premiership in 2006, worn both the Australian and Queensland jersey and is still considered one of the best forwards in the National Rugby League.

That is why it shocked most when Broncos legend Corey Parker announced his retirement on Monday just three days before the second State of Origin clash at Suncorp Stadium which will now be his last Origin in a Maroon jumper in the Queensland capital.

The Maroons, already hot favourite to clinch the 2016 series, now have an added incentive to secure victory on Wednesday night.

Despite being in recent contract negotiations to extend his deal at the Broncos into an 18th season, Parker changed his mind saying he wanted to go out on his terms.

“I always wanted to do things on my terms and I’m fortunate enough to be able to do that, walk away from the game I love on my terms,’’ Parker said at a press conference on Monday morning.

“One of my biggest motivating factors into games is to not let my mates down. I wouldn’t ever want to get to a point where my mate is looking sideways at me – “maybe it’s past him”.

“I’m very fortunate to have 17 years at this great club.

“I debuted for Queensland in 2004 and 2005. I spent six years on the sidelines.

“For me, persistence to get back in that arena was high on my list (motivating factors). It was a matter of working hard and waiting for an opportunity, which came in 2011.’’