NRL: Parker will play after illness scare

Corey Parker. Photo / Getty Images

Brisbane forward Corey Parker will play against Newcastle in tonight's National Rugby League match despite receiving treatment in hospital on the weekend.

After exhibiting symptoms of meningitis, Parker was placed on a drip on Saturday and only trained lightly in the captain's final run on Sunday before declaring he would still play.

Parker said hospital staff were concerned he may have had meningitis before a series of tests ruled that out.

He most likely had a bug or virus.

Brisbane have made several changes to their line-up with rookie Jack Reed moving to the wing, utility Ben Te'o coming off the bench into the centres and a new look bench which includes Nick Kenny, Mitchell Dodds and Corey Norman.

Newcastle coach Rick Stone, forced to promote Cory Paterson into the starting side for Zeb Taia (bulging disc in neck), hasn't ruled out making a late change just before kick off.

- AAP