IT WAS a bitter blow when Matt Parcell was told he couldn’t remain in the Brisbane Broncos National Rugby League side. But if there is any compensation, it is knowing he can play a lead role in the Jets’ bid for a maiden Queensland Cup title. It is likely to be his last chance, if rumours Parcell has signed a contract with Manly Warringah for next season and beyond are true. Parcell was among the Jets’ best in their 36-22 win over Norths at North Ipswich on Saturday. “I’d love to still be playing for the Broncos,” Parcell said, refusing to either confirm or deny the Manly rumour. “But the Jets are looking towards finals now and we’ve still got Keiron (Lander) and Marto (Sam Martin) to come back.” Few would have noticed but Parcell said it took him half the game to adjust to the Jets style of play after a six match stint for the Brisbane Broncos in the NRL. Parcell was forced out of the Broncos squad because hooker Kodi Nikorima was fit again. The Broncos had been given a salary cap exemption to play Parcell when Nikorima got injured. “It was a different style to what I had been playing,” Parcell said of the Jets approach. It is no surprise he was still among the Jets’ best with Parcell having proven he was NRL grade material during his time with the Broncos. He said the experience had improved him as a player. “You notice things,” he said. “(Queensland Cup) definitely feels different. “It’s been a crazy couple of months. “I’ve enjoyed every minute (in the NRL). “The last few games I felt very comfortable. “You just want to keep playing it but I can’t unless there’s an injury. The Jets were below their best, inviting Norths into the contest with too many errors. It provided some breathtakingly entertaining footy and could be forgiven against a team sitting second from bottom of the ladder. “We made quite a few mistakes,” Parcell said. “Our completion rate was not the best. “But I always felt we had it under control. “A lot of times the last pass didn’t stuck, where on other days they might.” The Jets’ win has kept the pressure on the top two teams, Papua New Guinea and Townsville, who sit three points above the Jets following PNG’s 28-26 win over Townsville. The Jets have the bye this weekend while PNG play fifth placed Easts. The Jets host PNG the following week at North Ipswich. RIDING HIGH Ipswich Jets 36 (Marmin Barba 2, Brandon McGrady 2, Chris Walker, Josh Cleeland, Billy McConnachie tries; Haydan Lipp 3, Chris Walker goals) def Norths Devils 22 (Michael Lucas, Byron Creighton, Krys Freeman, Luke Pollock tries; Liam Tyson 3 goals) at North Ipswich Reserve.
