DARREN Lockyer is poised to become the most celebrated Kangaroos player of all time following a decision to recognise World Cup matches alongside Test appearances.
The overdue restructure by the ARL also means more than 20 past players, including Terry Randall, John Peard and Eric Simms, will be afforded Test recognition for the first time.
"It's an opportunity to recognise those blokes that played in World Cup games, which were every bit as tough and demanding as Test matches were in the '70s ... they've been left behind,'' historian David Middleton said.
"Blokes like John O'Neill played only two Tests, yet he's regarded as one of the greats. Now the players get an equal amount of recognition for a Test and a World Cup match.''
Until now, the ARL has separated its recognition of World Cup matches from Tests. But under the revised structure, every player who has pulled on the green and gold will be recognised as a Test player.
In the lead-up to this year's World Cup, Lockyer has been given the opportunity to overtake Mal Meninga (46 caps) as the most distinguished player in ARL history.
The champion Broncos five-eighth and incumbent Australia skipper has 41 caps.
Dragons legend Graeme Langlands sits second on the all-time list with 45 appearances for Australia.
Lockyer turned 31 on Monday and last week declared he was eager to continue his representative career beyond 2008.
"Last year, before I got hurt, I was looking at retiring from the rep side of things at the end of this season, but while I was out I started to think about it differently,'' Lockyer said.
"I wouldn't want to be picked just on my name, I'd want to be picked for playing good football. But I don't think anyone gets any favours at this level anyway - and that's how it should be.
"I guess it's possible I could get to the end of this season and think maybe I'm stretching it in terms of rep footy next year, but as of now I'm available for 2009. I love playing rep footy, and as long as I think I'm up to it, I'm prepared to take my chances when the selectors pick the teams.''
Former Manly hard man Randall played 11 World Cup matches for Australia. They'll now be formally recognised as Test caps.
"I never thought of myself as any different when I pulled on the Aussie jersey, so it's a good thing for those guys to be recognised,'' Randall said.
Test great Bob Fulton said the changes put Australia on par with the other league-playing countries, which have long implemented the rule.
"It's a good move, it brings us all under the one umbrella so that there's equal recognition,'' Fulton said.
MOST TEST AND WORLD CUP APPEARANCES FOR AUSTRALIA:
Mal Meninga 46
Graeme Langlands 45
Darren Lockyer 41
Brad Fittler 40
Johnny Raper 39
Reg Gasnier 39
Clive Churchill 37
Bob Fulton 35
Keith Holman 35
Wally Lewis 34
Brian Davies 33
Ken Irvine 33
Mick Cronin 33
Ken Kearney 31
Petero Civoniceva 30
Harry Wells 29
Tommy Raudonikis 29
Arthur Beetson 28
Noel Kelly 28
Andrew Johns 26
Billy Smith 26
Andrew Ettingshausen 25
Barry Muir 25
Ian Walsh 25
Kerry Boustead 25
Roy Bull 25
Shane Webcke 25
Allan Langer 24
Bob Lindner 24
Danny Buderus 24
Steve Rogers 24
Brian Carlson 23
Duncan Hall 23
Paul Sironen 23
Ron Coote 23
Willie Mason 23
Ray Price 22
Brian Hambly 21
Dale Shearer 21
Garry Jack 21
Glenn Lazarus 21
Laurie Daley 21
Brett Kimmorley 20
Craig Young 20
Elwyn Walters 20
Graham Eadie 20
Kel OShea 20
Noel Pidding 20
Robbie Kearns 20
Steve Roach 20
