Darren Lockyer picture of his injury (AAP Image/ Patrick Hamilton)
Will he or won’t he play? That was the question on everyone’s lips. And we got a bit of both from the Broncos captain at training today.
His face may not have been as swollen as most expected, but the scars were visible on the league legend.
Speaking in front of a large media contingent at Red Hill, Lockyer said he intends to wait until game day to make his decision,
“We’ve only got one more field session and that’s Thursday and I’ll know by the end of that how close I will be. But I’ll wait until Friday to make that call,” he said.
However Lockyer stressed he would only play if he felt he could contribute.
“If I feel that I’m going to be a burden to the team, then I won’t play.”
Youngster Ben Hunt was confirmed as a possible replacement for Lockyer should the star playmaker decide not to take part.
During the Broncos’ training session Lockyer showed no signs of pain, running freely and doing drills with the rest of the team. But the Kangaroos captain understandably steered well clear of heavy contact and tackling.
Lockyer said his vision has not been affected, and expects the swelling to go down by the end of the week.
Despite doctor’s orders to take six weeks to recover from surgery on his fractured cheekbone, Lockyer sounds determined to take the field on Friday night against Manly,
“I reckon I’m capable of playing,” he said.
To avoid further injury or infection, Lockyer will not fly down with the rest of his team, but will instead make the 1000km journey by car.
The league legend has not shied away from the reality that he may well be targeted by the feisty Manly outfit if he does play at the SFS on Friday night.
“It’s a game to get in the Grand Final; they’re going to be playing to win,” Lockyer said.
Here in Brisbane there is a consensus that no matter how much his team needs him, he should not take the risk. It’s just not worth it.
The question is, can Brisbane beat Manly away from home? Can they win it without the man that won the match for them last week?
One thing is for sure, Lockyer and Griffin will try and hold those cards as close to their chest as possible in the lead up to this do or die preliminary final.
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