I agree... putting players in the perspective of what I have seen in my life time. No player past or present has been more influential in somehow grabbing games from the jaws of death and turning them into some of the most stupendous ever victories. That will be his legacy. The Lockyer Legacy. Never an individual, he always made those around him appear more professional and more complete players. A man who on the battlefield, in a sport that is confrontational and gladatorial, Darren Lockyer always stood tall as arguably having the greatest most balanced of Rugby League temperments.
It is what has made him so very special.
I'm the same age as Darren, and he was the catalyst for me to ditch the potential footy playing career, stick to uni and focus on a proper career. His talent when I first saw him in first grade was top shelf. He didn't have to bash up his body with massive collisions to make the grade, Darren was good enough to avoid them and cut loose. No big palm, just finesse and natural ability. He wasn't a big man but it was obvious he was willing to sacrifice big time to go all the way and stay there, right at the top.
I still remember telling my dad, he's going to be a massive name in a few years. Those types always are. Like most of you, I've seen his career from when it began, to when he was surrounded by some greats as a great in his own right, to when he became a Legend teaching a new generation of Bronco Bucks. I've seen Darren Lockyer master two positions. I've read the idiots who have bagged him, written him off, or said he's gone 1, 2 or maybe three years too long. Regardless of results, the knockers have all been absolutely wrong.
The 2010 season for the Broncos was the testament that stamped him from a great to the finest of wines... in my eyes. Equal premiership favourites before his season ending injury, the Brisbane Broncos sadly fell in a twisted heap which ultimately led to a coaches axing in the subsequent months. Darren's injury had that kind of ripple effect. If he stays on the field they make at the very least the Grand Final Qualifier for 2010 in my thoughts... and saves Henjaks coaching career in the interim.
Not even injury to the great Joey Johns that wrecked numerous Newcastle seasons carried that much weight.
As much as the Broncos were the terrible catalyst for Super League, they were also the club that helped the then NSWRL and ARL create a juggernaught of a code that attracted the attention of the hyper wealthy and the very selfish.
Darren Lockyer for mine is and will be the biggest legend of the Broncos Bunch. A club that for so long has at the very least appeared as the most professional in Australian sport. The club that began with Queensland Legends, built a dynasty of new Queensland Champions and created some very, very special leaders.
He learnt from the best, played with the best and became, simply the best of his era. When Brad Fittler retired it was the first time I felt older. With Darren Lockyer retiring, I don't feel old at all. I just feel that every new beginning comes from some other beginnings end... to quote a very cool song. And as the champions parade passes by, I'll just show it great respect and salute it.
Thanks Rugby League, and thank you Darren Lockyer.
