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.
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