GCBRONCO
International Captain
- Mar 4, 2008
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Broncos ease Lockyer back into training
By Steve Ricketts | December 31, 2008 11:00pm
http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/spor ... 09,00.html
THE Broncos have planned a slow and easy approach to Darren Lockyer's 2009 NRL campaign with the veteran skipper excused from next week's pre-season camp at Coffs Harbour.
Instead Lockyer will stay in Brisbane to work with rehabilitation staff on the knee that required a reconstruction in 2007 and forced him out of the 2008 Centenary Test and State of Origin series.
Lockyer finished the season strongly leading Australia in the World Cup and there is no suggestion he has encountered further problems with the knee.
But it is a long season and the Broncos do not want their captain overdoing things in January on his return from a long Christmas break.
Lockyer, who turns 32 in March, is facing his 15th and possibly last season with Brisbane with his contract up for renewal. The Broncos will face a difficult task keeping Lockyer and Test fullback Karmichael Hunt, who is also off contract at the end of 2009.
Hunt has attracted interest from rugby union but has indicated he will stay with league and the Broncos, although the fact he was fined $20,000 by the Broncos for an off-field indiscretion could make him think about a change.
Lockyer, Hunt and new recruit Israel Folau will report for training on Sunday with Hunt and Folau heading to Coffs Harbour where the team will stay at a resort previously home to the Wallabies.
Test centre Justin Hodges has been excused after being given leave of absence until January 25 as he battles personal issues. Hodges is also recovering from a shoulder reconstruction and is having private treatment.
"'Hodgo' rings in every day and is coming along fine," Broncos football manager Peter Nolan said yesterday.
"The Coffs camp is not a torture camp. There will be group sessions on and off the field and we hope it will help identify potential leaders."
By Steve Ricketts | December 31, 2008 11:00pm
http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/spor ... 09,00.html
THE Broncos have planned a slow and easy approach to Darren Lockyer's 2009 NRL campaign with the veteran skipper excused from next week's pre-season camp at Coffs Harbour.
Instead Lockyer will stay in Brisbane to work with rehabilitation staff on the knee that required a reconstruction in 2007 and forced him out of the 2008 Centenary Test and State of Origin series.
Lockyer finished the season strongly leading Australia in the World Cup and there is no suggestion he has encountered further problems with the knee.
But it is a long season and the Broncos do not want their captain overdoing things in January on his return from a long Christmas break.
Lockyer, who turns 32 in March, is facing his 15th and possibly last season with Brisbane with his contract up for renewal. The Broncos will face a difficult task keeping Lockyer and Test fullback Karmichael Hunt, who is also off contract at the end of 2009.
Hunt has attracted interest from rugby union but has indicated he will stay with league and the Broncos, although the fact he was fined $20,000 by the Broncos for an off-field indiscretion could make him think about a change.
Lockyer, Hunt and new recruit Israel Folau will report for training on Sunday with Hunt and Folau heading to Coffs Harbour where the team will stay at a resort previously home to the Wallabies.
Test centre Justin Hodges has been excused after being given leave of absence until January 25 as he battles personal issues. Hodges is also recovering from a shoulder reconstruction and is having private treatment.
"'Hodgo' rings in every day and is coming along fine," Broncos football manager Peter Nolan said yesterday.
"The Coffs camp is not a torture camp. There will be group sessions on and off the field and we hope it will help identify potential leaders."
