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.
toddm
Guest
i wonder if the fans that said what 'Hodges' did last weeked was ok, will still be ok when Manly go out of there way to make contact with Darren's head. All the commentators that just said it was part of the game and thats the way its played will surely but up in arms if it happens . I can already hear the double standard lol
amazonfan
Roar Guru
How does risking serious damage make one a 'real man'?
Stumpy
Guest
I think he'll play. If Manly attack his head they'll give away penalties for starters, they risk players being suspended for hitting him high, and it could be argued that if he is systematically targeted it would/should be regarded as a deliberate act. And if he is deliberately taken high then expect a reaction from the Bronco players that will make the stink between Manly and Melbourne look like a lovers tiff. I think he'll play and get through the game with little to no problem.
apaway
Guest
Melanie I think Darren Lockyer is keeping himself guessing. I'm sure that right now he truly doesn't know if he'll be able to play. In regard to Manly "targetting" the injury, even setting aside the illegality and moral reprehensity of such an action, surely given the amount of publicity this has generated, it would be impossible.
Droppa
Guest
it's all just smoke & mirrors to throw the focus of the poor fella thats really going to play 5/8th. that light run today must have near killed him,tough as teak is the Australian captain but still human after all. When the Doc said 6 weeks he meant minimum,he simply isn't fit.
Kuruki
Roar Guru
There is no doubt that Lockyer deserves the chance to play a game like this. And given the option he will play. In saying that, the team does have a legal responsibility to show duty of care to the players. Another high shot in the same area and he could loose his sight forever. That would make this last game seem so petty. it could also be grounds for a lawsuit should he decide to seek damages after the fact. He wont but it would still be an option.
Rugby90
Guest
I don't know what everyone's worried about I live in brisbane and am a Lockyer fan through and through despite not being a broncos fan. If the man wants to play let him, it's time we had some real men in rugby league who are willing to push though for something bigger than himself. It's possibly his last game and definitely his last chance at a grand final win so people stop being soft and get behind the guy rather than condemning him! -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download The Roar's iPhone App in the App Store here.