Potential Brisbane Broncos skipper Corey Parker says the club remains focused on its Round 1 clash with South Sydney, brushing suggestions the side will be dragged into a drugs scandal that has affected the Titans.
An investigation by the Queensland Crime and Corruption Commission has resulted in five Titans players facing drugs charges, with those players currently suspended by the Gold Coast club.
Addressing a packed media contingent after training on Thursday, Parker responded angrily to rumours that the Broncos could potentially be involved.
"It's a distraction but only for those involved I guess, so from our point of view it's just about preparing for Round 1," Parker said.
"It's not good for the game – it's disappointing and it is what it is – until such time we find out anymore, [allegations] are all it's going to be.
"It's disappointing for rugby league. The code's gone through another incident like this and we'll deal with it as best we can and move on.
"Our main focus for what we're doing is on Round 1, all you guys (the media) are asking the same questions but that's all it is – innuendo and rumours.
"Society in general has those sort of hiccups, but from our point of view we're about to start Round 1.
"Until such time it [becomes] something else, I've got nothing else for you."
Coach Wayne Bennett is expected to announce his captain for the 2015 season at Brisbane's season launch on Friday night. He stated in his first press conference since returning to the Broncos helm in September last year that he would be dumping the co-captaincy model implemented by former mentor Anthony Griffin.
Parker, co-captain with Justin Hodges for the 2014 season, remains in the mix for the job alongside former skipper Sam Thaiday as well as Hodges.
"I believe Wayne is going to make an announcement in the next couple of days, but Wayne being Wayne, he'll make it when he feels fit and he wants to," Parker said.
"From day dot I've expressed my passion and feelings toward this club and they haven't changed.
"So if I was to be given the tap on the shoulder and was asked to lead this team I'd be ecstatic, but I'm sure whoever Wayne chooses will do a fine job."
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