It's been well established that JT was far from a saint. Even his most ardent fan would concede his demeanour with referees was out of line and that slap on Beau Scott, while not completely uncalled for, was cowardly.
Still very few players have made the impact JT has on the game and when on song he could carry his team to victory. There was the show and go, there were times where he had spiders on him but what stood out to me the most was his kicking around half-way. Most halves in the modern competition just put a bomb up in that position, whereas JT would somehow skid the ball and either give his chasers a play on it or trap the opponents deep inside their own half.
Personally I thought he was at his most enterprising in 2007 before the double shoulder reco and he had Bowen and Payne to play off of. Once those players started slowing down, JT had to tone down the flair but those initial few years at the Cowboys were fantastic to watch.
Meanwhile, I've yet to see a Rugby League player like Lockyer. The way he just glided around the field, his sense of anticipation and ability to push up around the ball was second to none. My main memory is that 2003 Ashes series and the role he played to secure the clean sweep. Gets tackled as he sets up the play, then manages to involve himself again to send Ricketson over in the dying seconds. He had an amazing skill-set and as he got long in the tooth he was able to transition into one of the best game managers in the competition.
Brilliant players and I hope in the coming years the NRL can open up their vaults so younger generations can marvel at their abilities and accomplishments.
