Locky Tribute

Growing up watching the Broncos, I marvelled at players like Allan Langer, Gorden Tallis and Wendell Sailor. They stamped their authority on the game in their own way. Langer was the playmaking architect, Tallis the fearless, raging bull and Sailor the rampaging show pony.

However, there was one player who had just as much talent as these three, if not more. He didn’t have a trademark short kick, he wasn’t physically intimidating and he wasn’t a loudmouth. He just knew how to play the game, and play it damn well.

Darren Lockyer made a name for himself as a five-eighth-come fullback. Bennett had two relative unknowns in Allan Langer and Kevin Walters in the halves so there was no space for the 18-year-old kid from Roma. Instead, Lockyer would spend the next two years trying to cement a first grade spot, coming off the bench to prove his worth. Seeing his young charge tear apart teams with his pace and deceptive footwork, along with his security under the high ball, Bennett decided Lockyer’s immediate future was as a fullback. Locky didn’t disappoint.

Mid-way through Lockyer’s career, he had already established himself as a Queensland and Australian fullback, and the world’s best. Critics were already saying that he would go on to become the greatest fullback in the game’s history. However, the departure of Kevin Walters from the Broncos forced coach Wayne Bennett’s hand.

Lockyer had always been groomed as a five-eighth before he started his first grade career and Bennett believed that the time for Locky’s switch was now. So, in 2004, Bennett made a bold move to switch Lockyer from no. 1 to no. 6. Many people questioned whether Lockyer could handle the move, believing the increased defensive workload would blunt his attacking game. There was also the question of just how good he would be in defence.

Like all champions do, Lockyer rose to the challenge, winning the five-eighth spot for Australia in the ANZAC Test just five weeks after making the switch. Sure, he took a while to adjust his running game, becoming more direct as the year wore on. His defence also copped a battering from critics. However, he’s improved his defence so much that he’s become famous for last-ditch try saving tackles.

We’d become used to seeing Lockyer score length-of-the-field tries with his incredible running game, ducking and weaving around players like they were nothing. I remember thinking how I’d miss seeing him score tries game in, game out. Lockyer had entered a new phase of his career – laying on tries…game in…game out.

Over the years we’ve seen him pull games out of the fire for Australia, Queensland and the Broncos countless times. It might be a field goal in golden point; that daring run on the last tackle to set up one of his teammates; that one and only player trailing on the inside, ready to swoop on a crucial offload. He could always be counted on. Locky has done it all. Just take a look at all of the records he holds. You wouldn’t even need to watch a game to know what sort of impact he’s had on the game of rugby league.

One of the main reasons Lockyer is being lauded as the next immortal is because of his ability to play at such a high level for so long. It’s a testament to his professionalism and toughness. No doubt he has played with many injuries without showing any ill effects.

Now, Lockyer has only a handful of games left to play for Australia. He didn’t get the fairytale finish with the Broncos by winning the premiership but he has had a wonderful year regardless. His Queensland side won their sixth straight series and his last memory playing for the Broncos will be kicking the winning field goal for his side against the Dragons at Suncorp Stadium in the finals series.

It would be fitting for the Australian captain to go out a Four Nations winner. Regardless of the outcome, he will forever be remembered as a rugby league legend. I think it’s safe to say there will never be another Darren Lockyer. Thanks for the memories.