Captain of Australia, Darren Lockyer, has declared his retirement, bringing to a close his illustrious rugby league career, which has set numerous records after this year, and he mentions that coaching is not in his immediate plans.
Lockyer expressed that the time felt appropriate to step away following 17 seasons in first grade, while he is still available for all representative matches in 2011, including the Four Nations tournament scheduled for October-November in England and Wales.
Celebrating his 34th birthday just last week, the Brisbane captain has appeared in 336 NRL games for the Broncos since his debut in 1995, holding, or soon to hold, an array of individual records within the sport.
He has achieved a remarkable 54 Tests for Australia and participated in 33 State of Origin matches for Queensland, leading the Broncos to four premiership victories.
While announcing his retirement plans, a composed and tranquil Lockyer told the media that he did not want his choice to transform the remainder of the Broncos’ season into a “do it for Darren” campaign.
However, the players will undoubtedly strive to secure him a farewell premiership, much like they did for Shane Webcke in 2006.
“I have already talked to the boys, and that’s not the way I want it to be,” Lockyer stated.
“In ’06, it was a flawless outcome for Webbie, and I would love to experience a similar conclusion.”
“But as players, we play for ourselves, for each other, for our fans, and for our club. This year shouldn’t revolve around me since I’m stepping down.”
Lockyer shared his future plans with his longtime mentor, Wayne Bennett, during last month’s All Stars camp on the Gold Coast.
There have been various speculations regarding Bennett’s potential return to coach Brisbane next season, with some believing he might consider Lockyer as his assistant to prepare him for such a role.
Nevertheless, Lockyer stated that coaching is not currently on his agenda as he aims to spend more quality time with his wife Loren and their young son, Sunny James.
“I don’t harbor any immediate desire to coach. It may evolve, but once the season concludes, I’m looking forward to taking a break,” he expressed.
“After that, I might reconsider it.”
Lockyer felt a sense of pride in having completed all his 336 NRL games with a single club.
“I don’t think that will occur frequently,” he remarked.
Lockyer mentioned that his teammates were not taken aback by his announcement.
“When you’ve played for 17 years, and you’re 34, retirement is always a possibility, so I suppose they weren’t too surprised,” he stated.
“I informed them that I believed we could achieve significantly and emphasized that it wasn’t centered on me, encouraging them to give it their best shot and enjoy the season.”
Lockyer disclosed that he had been contemplating his choice since January.
He noted that journalists had started questioning him about 2012, and he was not keen on the ongoing speculation regarding his future.
“It’s out in the open now. Everyone is informed of the situation,” he remarked.
“I wanted the fans to be aware, and it allows the Broncos to strategize their playing roster for the upcoming year.”
by Buford Balony