Lockyer to call it quits

[ism22]

Brisbane and Australian captain Darren Lockyer has announced this season will be the last in his glittering career.
The 34-year-old, who holds the record for most appearances for Australia, most Tests as captain and most tries, broke the retirement news today.
‘‘I am still enjoying playing and am really excited about the Broncos and rest of the 2011 year,” he said.
“Of course it will be hard to leave my teammates and the Broncos’ organisation at the end of the season, but I know the timing is right.
“I have had a wonderful career as a rugby league player, but I just feel it is time to move on to the next stage of my life.”
Lockyer said he had no plans yet for life after football. “Of course I will observe the game and watch what is going on, but at this point I am going to take a complete break from the day-to-day grind of the NRL,” he said.

Broncos chief executive Paul White said Lockyer’s retirement was an historic occasion for the club.
“We appreciate the integrity that Darren has shown and the way he has decided to make this announcement now, which will allow our fans to celebrate his achievement for the rest of the season,” White said.

“I think it is fair to say that we will never have another player like Darren Lockyer.
“He has driven success here at the Broncos, has been a tremendous achiever at both club and representative level, and has been the epitome of professionalism for not only our club, but our game.’’

[ism22]

Message to Carney... you MUST have a good season, or somebody else will take the job...

[Guest]

He will go down as the luckiest semi-talented league player in history.

Nurtured by the Superwowser, surrounded by a near state side for almost his entire career, and having a hell of a lot of friends in the media.

That said, he will be missed and I would have had him at the Roosters in a heartbeat back in the late 90s.

[Guest]

He will go down as the luckiest semi-talented league player in history.

Nurtured by the Superwowser, surrounded by a near state side for almost his entire career, and having a hell of a lot of friends in the media.

That said, he will be missed and I would have had him at the Roosters in a heartbeat back in the late 90s.

Hard but fair. Evan a few years back if we had him as a replacement for Freddy I think we may have won more premierships.

[Guest]

Was a better fullback than 5/8

[BUDDY]

Assistant Backs Coach to Bennett next year.

[ism22]

Assistant Backs Coach to Bennett next year.

Maybe he'll get his throat fixed and have a media career?

That or "calling it quits" means he's about to admit there was never a throat injury and stop smoking while admitting that his secret has always been to smoke 3 packs a day and a pack at half time. Bring back the Winfield Cup he'll say (as he's always been a subliminal rep for Winfield.)

[Chookies74]

Was a better fullback than 5/8

Very different roles, but he was awesome when he was young and quick

[Guest]

He will go down as the luckiest semi-talented league player in history.

Nurtured by the Superwowser, surrounded by a near state side for almost his entire career, and having a hell of a lot of friends in the media.

That said, he will be missed and I would have had him at the Roosters in a heartbeat back in the late 90s.

"lucky" "semi talented" you are farking kidding arent you. Have a look at the blokes record and then think of how many big games he played a major part in winning.

Seriously some of you dont have a clue

[Guest]

He is extremely talented. But has been on the slide for a few years now. JT and Slater make him look a lot better then what he is.

[Guest]

"lucky" "semi talented" you are farking kidding arent you. Have a look at the blokes record and then think of how many big games he played a major part in winning.

Seriously some of you dont have a clue

It's easy to win games when you have entirety of Queensland to choose a team from.

Need I remind people that they haven't won the comp for 5 years.

That equates with the time frame that North Queensland have picked their game up. Along with the Gold Coast turning up.

[ROC181]

It's easy to win games when you have entirety of Queensland to choose a team from.

Need I remind people that they haven't won the comp for 5 years.

That equates with the time frame that North Queensland have picked their game up. Along with the Gold Coast turning up.

Sorry Madduke, I don't agree with you on this. Just because they haven't won one in 5years can be attributed to the fact that 1 player seldom is able to win premierships. Even with Fittler, we only won one and he was one of the best and I would say technically better than Lockyer. Lockyer was great and all the records will say that and unfortunately, he has more silverware than Freddy.

I do agree that i will miss Kristina. Can't wait till she goes to Canberra

[Kingbilly]

Lockyer was very lucky in lots of ways but often made the luck
He was lucky to play in great QLD sides
He was lucky to have a coach like handshake bill.
He was very lucky that the media liked him, he could have easily been hung out to dry.

Most of all lucky to have the talent and football brain that he does.

There is some bit about hard word in there too I imagine

[Guest]

He will go down as the luckiest semi-talented league player in history. Nurtured by the Superwowser, surrounded by a near state side for almost his entire career, and having a hell of a lot of friends in the media.

That said, he will be missed and I would have had him at the Roosters in a heartbeat back in the late 90s.

you're an idiot

[Guest]

I agree wth madduke for the most part. great player, but overrated when they talk about him being one of the greatest to play the game. Guys like Fittler and Johns were the best going around til the day they retired...Lokcyer has been pretty ordinary since 2005. Great fullback, ok 5/8.