Brisbane coach Ivan Henjak said smearing Darren Lockyer’s reputation by insinuating one of the game’s best and fairest player’s was a diver, lacked class.
Gold Coast centre Chris Walker produced a better sidestep on Monday than anything he showed against Brisbane at Skilled Park on Saturday night when confronted about comments suggesting Brisbane’s Test captain milked a penalty by taking a dive during the Broncos’ 40-32 qualifying final win.
“It is disappointing for a player of his (Lockyer’s) stature in the game to do what he did,” said Walker, stopping just short of using the word “diver”.
Titans co-captain Scott Prince didn’t help matters, quipping Lockyer could be nominated for a Logie.
“It shows a lack of class, maybe it makes them feel a bit better doing it,” a disappointed Henjak told AAP on Monday.
“The guys throwing stones at him (Lockyer), I don’t know whether some of them have got much credibility.
“I would have been upset and angry had one of his players said something like that about Scott Prince or Luke Bailey.”
Given an opportunity to clear the air after training on Monday Walker said: “None of my comments suggested that (Lockyer was a diver).”
“I haven’t seen the incident so I’m not prepared to comment on it too much.
“Locky is the Australian captain, that’s where I will leave it at.”
Asked again about the 43rd minute incident he said: “all players go out there and try and win a game.
“Certain players do it one way and certain players do it another.”
Prince did agree that Walker had taken Lockyer out illegally.
“I thought he took him out, to what extent remains to be seen,” said Prince.
“Obviously the visual tells a different story.”
Lockyer seemed non-plussed about Walker’s comments after the game.
“He can think what he likes,” he said.
“I was looking the other way. I just remember getting whacked and hitting the ground.”
Brisbane chief executive Bruno Cullen had his own gripe about Walker’s antics when Corey Park was attempting to convert prop Dave Taylor’s intercept try to push the lead out to eight points with a few minutes left.
“He was leaning on the goal post and yelling out at Corey Parker as he attempted to convert Dave’s try,” said Cullen.
“If he had missed he would have been entitled to another kick and that would have given them something else to whinge about.”
Brisbane received some good news when halfback Peter Wallace escaped the judiciary after being reported for a high tackle on young Titans winger David Mead.
“I didn’t lose any sleep over it, I didn’t think there was much in it really,” said Henjak.
“He (Mead) stayed down a fair bit and I could have had my say on that too, but I gave him the benefit of the doubt.”
MyGeneration
Roar Guru
Yep, it wasn't one of Lockyer's finer moments.
Mick from Giralang
Guest
I'm a great admirer of Lockyer but he let the game down with this effort. Diving used to be confined to soccer and ozzie rules but unfortunately is creeping into our game. It was a point of honour not to show you were hurt. The game's leaders need to take a stand on it now before it become endemic (though why the four officials who are now on the ground can't pick it up is beyond me). Perhaps the match review committees can take action when match officials miss blatant dives.
Choppy
Guest
He went down like a $2 hooker, I've got no doubt about that. It's disappointing from the national captain but I think that's exactly what happened. To me it looked like he exaggerated the impact in order to achieve the outcome of a penalty.
NickF
Guest
Although Lockyer is not in the same category as players like Ennis, who use "other" tactics in the game to gain an advantage, on this ocasion it looked very much like he took a dive.
Jamin
Guest
Diving also lacks class!!!