Rugby league administrators were urged by an angry Tim Sheens, coach of the Kangaroos, to prevent Test league from reverting back to the chaotic style of the 1960s amidst concerns over the treatment of retiring star Darren Lockyer.
As Lockyer was struck down in the opening minutes of Australia’s 42-6 rout of a disappointing New Zealand team, a sell-out crowd at Ausgrid Stadium held its breath.
In the trans-Tasman Test, Kiwi prop Russell Packer temporarily dazed Lockyer with a right elbow strike to the cheek while he attempted a clearing kick.
Packer has been put on report and will face the judiciary this week.
In his final match on Australian soil, Lockyer remained diplomatic, declining to escalate the situation by suggesting that Packer had aimed for the left cheek, which currently houses titanium plates from a recent surgery.
“It happened pretty quick,” Lockyer commented.
“Sometimes you get hit late when you kick the footy, and sometimes it’s high; this was probably a bit of both. I’m OK physically. I was dazed for a moment. It was the previously damaged cheekbone’s opposite side. I don’t believe he was targeting that.”
However, Sheens was less than satisfied.
“I’m pleased they addressed it because it looked quite poor,” Sheens remarked.
“Johnathan Thurston received a few knocks. It was an aggressive atmosphere. We also delivered our fair share. A Test match definitely is a Test match, but there’s a boundary where it turns into a spectator sport reminiscent of the ’60s. We definitely don’t want to be dragged back into the ’60s.”
In displaying Lockyer’s brilliance, the incident rapidly became secondary as within two minutes, he assisted in Australia’s first try through a basketball-style lob to Akuila Uate, the hometown hero, who scored out wide.
Lockyer, named man of the match, played a crucial role in setting up three tries in the opening 13 minutes. By the time Australia established a 16-0 lead, the game was practically concluded. Despite being sidelined due to an injury recently, Lockyer showed no signs of rust or hesitation.
His resilience could have faced a test when the Kiwi defense rushed to intercept a wrap-around pass intended for Billy Slater during the third try, but the composed Lockyer remained in control until the end.
The crowd’s admiration for Lockyer was evidenced as he received a louder cheer than the cult figure Uate when the names were announced for his 56th Test, which was also his last appearance on Australian soil.
Darren Lockyer
Age: 33 (born March 24, 1977)
Test debut: Australia (16) vs. New Zealand (22) at North Harbour Stadium, April 24, 1998
Tests and World Cup appearances: 52 (not including four Super League Tests)
Tests and World Cup points: 200 (34 tries, 31 goals, two field goals)
Kangaroos records: Most matches (52), most matches as captain (31), most tries (34)
“Didn’t we used to jeer this bloke … is this Suncorp Stadium?” one amazed spectator remarked as the crowd erupted into a “Locky, Locky” chant while he rested on the bench near the game’s conclusion.
“Great day, perfect weather, and a fantastic crowd – I couldn’t have asked for anything more in my last Test in Australia,” Lockyer stated, as he prepares to lead Australia in the Four Nations.
“I’m going to miss it, that’s for sure. It has been a privilege to play for such a long time.”
by Buford Balony
