Australia’s Darren Lockyer scores the opening try against England during their Four Nations rugby league match at the DW Stadium, Wigan, England, Saturday Oct. 31, 2009. (AP Photo/Tom Hevezi)
There is no logical answer as to who will replace Darren Lockyer, but certainly both Queensland and Australia will be weakened, not just on field, but with the leadership that the great man brings to his team off the field.
Darren Lockyer (born 24 March 1977 in Brisbane) is the current captain of the Australian Rugby League national team, the Queensland State of Origin team, and his NRL club the Brisbane Broncos.
All three of these teams Lockyer has led to success in their respective competitions and he is thus widely considered one of the finest players in the modern game. In 2009 he broke the records for most games and most tries for the Australian national team.
So let’s look at the contenders:
Jonathan Thurston: The best half back in the world, but plays a similar game to Lockyer and handles 6 without a problem. Providing the selectors could find the right 7 to combine with him the dilemma would be solved. Scott Prince and Cooper Cronk would be the contenders.
Todd Carney: No question marks on his talent, but he has some fences to mend and how he starts at the Roosters will determine his playing future. If Coach Brian Smith elects to play him at fullback his rep chances will be dashed. In a perfect world I would love to see him combine with Thurston in the national team. The combination would be a nightmare for any opposing coach.
Terry Campese: Didn’t grab his chance at his first crack at Origin football, and there is a feeling that he is not a big time player, but still highly regarded by selectors.
John Sutton: With Mateo he has the most god given talent, but he can go wandering which concerns the men that count. He has a new head coach now and if he can put it all together weekly his sheer talent will make it impossible to ignore.
Feleti Mateo: Born in Auburn NSW, he has already played five eight for Tonga and the Australian Schoolboys as well as representing NSW (under 19s) against Queensland. He is unstoppable when he is hot, but he is not always hot.
Jarrad Mullen: Thrown to the wolves in State of Origin, he has never shown his true talent. He may struggle to get another crack.
Daniel Mortimer: An immense talent but he does not have the organizing skills for such a key job.
Jamie Soward: The selectors only think about his poor defence.
Tim Moltzen: Benjy playing at 6 at club level hurts him.
Wade Graham: Promising but behind in the long queue.
Trent Barrett and Braith Anasta are the two most experienced halves and could always plug a hole if the selectors choose to not go with youth.
oikee
Guest
The little cartoon guy above you. Mitch. Now i agree with Kick,Clap,Kick. Cronk 7 Thurston 6.
kick,clap,kick
Guest
Thurston at 6,Cronk at 7. A few yrs ago JT had a few games at 6 for the cows & with that extra 1-2 secs to choose an option he was brilliant... He has improved since than & he would perfect with cronk beside him.
ScottWoodward.me
Roar Guru
Sutton is uncomfortable as a leader and very quiet on the field so whoever is his 7 would have to have those missing skills. oikee who do u mean by Mitch?
oikee
Guest
Seen something last year that makes me think Sutton. Coolness under pressure, but lke you said, see if he can improve next year. For Qld, i am with Mitch, Cronky. At least on the bench.
ScottWoodward.me
Roar Guru
We may get an insight in the Indigenous game in Feb when they have the opportunity to play Thurston at 6 and Prince at 7. No shortage of halfs: 1. Nathan Merritt (South Sydney), Preston Campbell (capt, Gold Coast), 2. Wendell Sailor (St George Illawarra) 3. Greg Inglis (Melbourne 4. Justin Hodges (Brisbane), 5. Jharal Yow Yeh (Brisbane), Nathan Merritt (South Sydney) 6. Jamie Soward (St George Illawarra), Preston Campbell (capt, Gold Coast) 7. Johnathan Thurston (Nth Qld), Scott Prince (Gold Coast) 8. Carl Webb (Nth Qld) 9. PJ Marsh (Brisbane), Travis Waddell (Canberra), 10. Tom Learoyd-Lahrs (Canberra), 11. Sam Thaiday (Brisbane) 12. Jamal Idris (Bulldogs) 13. Joel Thompson (Canberra) 14. Daine Laurie (Penrith), 15. George Rose (Manly) 16. Cory Paterson (Newcastle) 17. Yileen Gordon (Bulldogs)
Nick the Rooster
Roar Rookie
Thurston will move to 6 and Prince to 7. If not, Campese should be groomed for the Aussie number 6 long term. In saying that, Anasta deserves a spot if the gap needs to be filled. As far as captain goes, Cameron Smith will be there until he retires. He is good for the game, the team and the country.
ScottWoodward.me
Roar Guru
Lockyer has signed with the Broncos for another 2 years and he has made no announcement, but whoever finally replaces him in Q"land will not necessarily be the same National 6 and 7. Scott Prince has the inside run at State level, but the National selectors have shown their hand and favoured Cooper Cronk, who is not as brilliant as Prince which may result in a better combination. NSW would have to win the SOO to have a say, and at this stage Barrett and Kimmorley will be the Blues paring.
Woody Warambel
Guest
In a couple of years - Daniel Mortimer.
M1tch
Roar Guru
Cooper Cronk gets my vote
BennO
Guest
It has to be Prince/Thurston in my view. The others haven't demonstrated the consistency that Prince has. He's also his club captain so is a leader as well. Barrett and Anasta are well past it (and both always a tad overrated I think) and would only stifle Thurston.
Paul J
Guest
You can not replace someone like lockyer overnight. The maroons used Prince/Thurston in the halves for Qld when Lockyer was injured and they had 2 great games together.