Locky expected to announce his future tonight.

[Professor47]

QUEENSLANDER - I don't think it will make the QLD team "weaker" personally. By Form I agree with you, I reckon he has been playing pretty ordinarily - a few nice touches here and there but he just cannot carry a team of kids at his current age nor does he have the physical ability to do so.

However, origin is a different story. Best of the best mate, with those players around him - with his current age he will play a different role - but his classy touches and chiming in attack will be nothing but deadly. I dont buy into the form rubbish - it doesn't matter for a player like Locky, he could walk into an Origin team and produce a class act. No doubt about that.

How is that for a backed up argument?! =)

Thats what i was looking for! i do agree lockyer steps up when he needs to, i just think its time QLD looked to the future and ensure we get this 5th win. I think we can do that with locky there tho, so i guess we will just wait and see

Well some might laugh at this idea and I wouldn't do it personally but an option is to have Cronk/Prince on the bench (depending on who you think will take over Locky) to limit Locky's game time and to give that experience/familiarity with the team so it sets them up for next year.

 

[QUEENSLANDER]

If cronk or prince can adequately play lock at a pinch, then why not?!

 

[Professor47]

If cronk or prince can adequately play lock at a pinch, then why not?!

I don't like the idea of using them at lock in origin. Not a fan of switching positions just to accommodate a player when you don't really need to.

Personally If Locky was to play I would ensure he has a similar role to last year with JT running the show.

 

[Bucking Beads]

I love how these old jokers are telling Lockyer to forget the Broncos and be selfish!! Remember 2008 he was super selfish that year trying to get back for origin.

 

[Mister Wright]

I don't think Lockyer should base his decision on how the Broncos are performing. It should be how he feels and if he feels is up for Rep football. It is his career and entirely his decision. But, you'd have to think if he hasn't decided to play on by now, he's having 2nd thought which means he probably shouldn't play.

 

[Nashy]

Right now, locky in the origin team actually makes it weaker. Cronk showed today just what his combination with the storm boys can do. No-one else wouldve run that play, not thurston, not lockyer. Thurston is carrying the cowboys, and they are still competitive right now, locky is playing behind an undermanned and inexperienced team and is struggling to stand up like we know he can.

Locky retiring from rep footy is best for Broncos - we need him out there to help these young kids through what is usually a period we are dreadful in, and thats with experienced players. It will help QLD because it will get our best team out there. Cronk and thurston are the 2 form halves in the game atm, lets run with that and get 5 in a row!

I know you hate people that don't give a decent response.

But. +1.

 

[Flutterby]

Like Gus said after the game on Friday night, Locky has nothing to prove at Origin Level and he owes Qld nothing. I will not be bothered if he retires from rep footy or not (apart from I'll lose a bet if he doesn't), but I truly think that he will give it away. Don't forget his first baby is due in about 5/6 weeks as well - being away for extended periods in camp will also factor into his decision IMO.

As far as the makeup of the Qld side goes, I agree having the Slater, Cronk, Smith, Inglis combo is a huge positive. The reason Melb have stayed at the top despite losing a fair chunk of players over the past few years is that they have been able to keep a stable 1, 7 and 9 (and also Inglis). However having Locky there is always a huge positive just because if his ability to perform in the big games and the execute the big plays when it really counts, and he has also got good combo with Slater, Smith and Inglis after a number of years for Qld and Aust; and for the confidence he inspires in those on the field with him. Either way I don't think Qld really loses anything with either Lockyer or Cronk

 

[lynx000]

I would like to see him have one more test at home in May to send him out.

 

[lynx000]

I think he deserves that tbh

 

[Professor47]

I love how these old jokers are telling Lockyer to forget the Broncos and be selfish!! Remember 2008 he was super selfish that year trying to get back for origin.

I don't know - it goes both ways. I personally don't think he owes QLD or the Broncos anything. He's been the reason we've managed to survive and make the finals since 2000 and he's the reason we are a team that you never write off... Obviously time has taken its toll - I would love to see him captain for the 5 in a row occasion...

Truthfully - IMO even with Origin he will give these youngsters in the Broncs plenty of good experience this year - and he won't play rep next year so next year should be a real clanger.

 

[Bucking Beads]

I love how these old jokers are telling Lockyer to forget the Broncos and be selfish!! Remember 2008 he was super selfish that year trying to get back for origin.

I don't know - it goes both ways. I personally don't think he owes QLD or the Broncos anything. He's been the reason we've managed to survive and make the finals since 2000 and he's the reason we are a team that you never write off... Obviously time has taken its toll - I would love to see him captain for the 5 in a row occasion...

Truthfully - IMO even with Origin he will give these youngsters in the Broncs plenty of good experience this year - and he won't play rep next year so next year should be a real clanger.

I am not sure if he can go on for another after this one TBH. He looks tired and if the Bronocos don't start getting things right it will be tough for him.

 

[Kimlo]

Is he signed for next year?

 

[King_Lockyer]

Is he signed for next year?

he has signed for one with the option of a second.

 

[Kimlo]

Thanks for that.
I reckon this year should be his last but only he can decide that. I wouldn't mind if he went on next year but IMO age is really affecting his game. However if we didn't make the finals this year it would be sad for him to leave like that.

 

[Charmamba]

The one thing that may affect if he retires all together or not i believe would be the "most capped NRL player" record.

 

[Foordy]

The one thing that may affect if he retires all together or not i believe would be the "most capped NRL player" record.

he should get that regardless providing he stays injury free and sees out his 2 year deal

 

[jarro65]

I hope he retires from rep footy.

Leaving the rep stuff as the only skipper in origin to win 4 straight series, as well as all his wins as Australian captain ..... he doesn't need to go on when the only way to go is down for him.

He's done enough, play for the Broncos for another couple of years and enjoy your retirement Locky .... you've more than earned it.

 

[Professor47]

Thanks for that.
I reckon this year should be his last but only he can decide that. I wouldn't mind if he went on next year but IMO age is really affecting his game. However if we didn't make the finals this year it would be sad for him to leave like that.

Age is affecting his game?

I swear some people have short memories. His form towards the end of last year to get us into the preliminary final was nothing short out outstanding. He was only 6 months younger then. :roll:

ah come on sir, apart from that brief stint he wasn't producing anywhere near what he himself would want last year.

Maybe some are being too harsh here and some are being to easy on him here and the answer lies somewhere in the middle but age HAS affected his consistency and generally, his "game".

We don't doubt him - but we're the Broncs... we should be looking at what we can do... if that means changing the way he plays then I don't see anything wrong with it. Shane Webcke the great man admitted himself he had to adapt the way he approached the game towards the back end of his career and low and behold 2006 premiers.

Furthermore how long are we going to rely on the great man anyway? We're rubbish when he's not there...