Darren Lockyer: this World Cup just the start
Dave Donaghy | October 31, 2008 12:00am
DARREN Lockyer has had enough of the cynics. The tone in his raspy voice is the most obvious giveaway. "Yeah," comes the response when the issue is raised.
Lockyer, the Australian captain in the twilight of his career, says he is proud to be a part of the first World Cup since 2000.
He has gone above and beyond in promoting the month-long tournament involving 10 nations. It's the same with the rest of the Australian squad. And all the countries involved.
But for all their work, scepticism of the cup's worth remains.
Like the International Rules Series pitting our AFL stars against Ireland's best Gaelic football players, many critics still question its value, with rugby league played in only a handful of countries.
Lockyer says there are many reasons.
The veteran playmaker, closing in on Mal Meninga's Australian Test match record, is a firm believer in the event, first staged in France in 1954. "I think it's a great concept," he said.
"We're not kidding ourselves. We know it doesn't have the same aura as some of the other codes and their world cups. But you've got to start somewhere.
"It's a great platform and I think we can build on it."
The tournament has proved a hit with fans. Despite eligibility and grouping issues, crowds have turned up in their droves.
With international cricket seemingly on the wane - and with Australia touring India - rugby league has capitalised on the vacant sporting market.
The Kangaroos played New Zealand in front of almost 35,000 in Sydney on Sunday. About 40,000 are expected to turn up to Sunday's blockbuster between Australia and England at Telstra Dome.
The final in Brisbane was sold out months ago.
"It's a great thing to be involved with," said Australian assistant coach Allan Langer, who played in World Cups in 1988 and 1992.
Privately, rugby league officialdom say they have an event capable of eventually overtaking rugby union's version, despite giving up years of ground. And they are confident the 13th edition of the cup will return a profit from the $21 million invested in staging it.
"It's succeeded beyond our expectations," International Rugby League Federation chairman and tournament director Colin Love said.
"We always thought this would be the foundation for the future. Whatever we do in this tournament is laying the foundation for future tournaments.
"In five years' time, it's going to be that much better. The future of the international game is looking really healthy."
Lockyer says the younger members of his squad are already looking towards the 2013 tournament.
England is favoured to host that event, with the cup to be up for grabs every four years after that.
"All the players are really positive about it," Lockyer said.
"Kurt Gidley was shattered when he had to pull out. He said to the boys that he doesn't know whether he'll get another World Cup in because they're talking another five years to beat that Olympic cycle.
"So it means a lot to the players and so far everything's been really positive. There's been no talk that there's not going to be another one.
"Everyone's focused on this one. The young blokes can set themselves for the next one."
