Darren Lockyer, the legendary Australian captain who has consistently challenged England during his remarkable 17-year career, once again shattered their hopes in the Gillette Four Nations final.
In what was his final match before retirement, the 34-year-old star extended his record to a remarkable 59th cap at Elland Road, marking the perfect conclusion to his career.
Lockyer’s try in the dying moments secured a victory that restored the Four Nations title to the Kangaroos and left Steve McNamara’s England feeling utterly defeated. They had truly believed they could finally end their prolonged struggles.
Despite England’s belief…having not won a significant international tournament since the 1972 World Cup, and performing admirably in this competition to reach an 8-8 stalemate after nearly an hour, they were ultimately outclassed and justifiably so.
Indeed, had it not been for three disallowed tries by video referee Ian Smith, who also awarded England a penalty try, Australia might have already been home and dry by half-time.
At least the capacity crowd of over 34,000 showed their appreciation for Lockyer’s outstanding contributions over the years, applauding him warmly as he lifted the trophy that Australia had lost to New Zealand the previous year.
‘Replacing this guy is going to be a tough challenge,’ remarked coach Tim Sheens. ‘He is a true champion.’
Lockyer himself, who dedicated his entire club career to the Brisbane Broncos and has never sought fame, commented: ‘It feels great to head home with a win because it’s a long flight.’
‘As I sat in the dressing room before the game, I realized this would be the last time I put on my boots. It turned out to be a good night for me because it was a challenging victory. I felt lucky when I scored that try, although I did miss the conversion,’ he added.
Lockyer’s half-back partner, Johnathan Thurston, who was doubtful all week due to a knee injury and unable to train, expertly synergetic with his captain throughout the match and narrowly won the Man of the Match award for his high-caliber tactical and goal kicking.
However, Thurston faced jeers when he accepted his award, as it was his late, high tackle on England winger Ryan Hall that led video referee Smith to award a penalty try just three minutes before half-time.
Thurston quickly converted a penalty goal, allowing the Kangaroos to lead 8-6 at half-time.
With lingering hope, England believed they could exact revenge for their prior defeat against the Australians at Wembley two weeks earlier. But, as has often been the case, Australia displayed the ability to elevate their game in response to emerging threats.
‘The players are heartbroken,’ stated England coach McNamara. ‘They have performed exceptionally well throughout the tournament and truly believed they had a chance. Their spirit and determination were commendable, but they were unable to find their rhythm tonight. We missed opportunities, while Australia capitalizes on theirs without mercy.’
With Warrington’s Adrian Morley earning a record 50th cap — including his Great Britain appearances — England welcomed back back rower Gareth Ellis, who returned from injury.
However, they faced the worst possible start when Hull winger Tom Briscoe failed to catch Thurston’s high kick, allowing Chris Lawrence to assist Sam Thaiday in scoring.
England showed their fighting spirit, as expected, but conceded too much ground to Australia and were relieved to equalize with Hall’s penalty try.
A penalty from Kevin Sinfield leveled the scores shortly after the second half began, but after Kangaroos winger Jharal Yow Yeh became the third Australian player to have a try disallowed, the Brisbane star soon successfully scored a legitimate try.
Australia added three more, thanks to the exceptional Thurston, giant centre Greg Inglis, and in the final moments, the incomparable Lockyer.
by Terence Johns
