Andy
First Grade
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As found on nrl.com
National rugby league selectors are set to stick with Darren Lockyer at fullback for the April Test against New Zealand, resisting the temptation to pair the world's two best players in the halves.
Lockyer, the incumbent Australian captain, will officially begin his new life in the No.6 jersey this weekend when the Broncos open their NRL premiership campaign against the New Zealand Warriors in Brisbane.
That move - and Queensland's decision to also consider Lockyer as a five-eighth - has thrown the spotlight on his future with the national side.
However, Test selectors today indicated they were likely to retain the Brisbane playmaker in the No.1 jersey rather than name a dream halves pairing of Lockyer and Andrew Johns for the April 23 clash with the Kiwis.
"He's the best fullback in the world," national selector Bob McCarthy said today.
"I'd prefer to have him fresh back at fullback rather than having those big Kiwi forwards running at him.
"We might just leave him there for the time being."
With good reason.
Lockyer, who has played 20 Tests and been a fixture in the Australian side since 1998, is widely regarded as the best fullback of his generation.
That reputation was only enhanced by his performance on the Kangaroo tour, where he led an understrength national side to a 3-0 series win over Great Britain.
Lockyer was a standout in all three Tests, producing a memorable display in the third game to drag his side out of trouble.
He also took on more of a playmaking role as national coach Chris Anderson was forced to make do with a host of makeshift five-eighths in the injury-enforced absence of Trent Barrett.
Sydney Roosters hooker Craig Wing, Penrith halfback Craig Gower and Roosters forward Michael Crocker were all given a shot at the No.6 jersey.
But Barrett's return, Gower's maturity and Scott Hill's comeback for Melbourne ensure selectors will have options galore come the New Zealand Test at EnergyAustralia Stadium in Newcastle.
"I thought he should have played five-eighth all last year for Queensland," national selector Arthur Beetson said of Lockyer.
"But I still think he's the best fullback in the world. That will never change.
"He's the best fullback we have had for a long time."
Lockyer will have six matches to display his wares to national selectors before they sit down to select the side for the New Zealand Test.
Coach Wayne Bennett will have the chance to air his views on players, although he is not officially part of the selection panel.
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I'm glad they want to put him at fullback.
He might be the best fullback in the world and best 5/8th for Brisbane, but there are better 5/8ths in the game.
Trent Barret being just one of them.
National rugby league selectors are set to stick with Darren Lockyer at fullback for the April Test against New Zealand, resisting the temptation to pair the world's two best players in the halves.
Lockyer, the incumbent Australian captain, will officially begin his new life in the No.6 jersey this weekend when the Broncos open their NRL premiership campaign against the New Zealand Warriors in Brisbane.
That move - and Queensland's decision to also consider Lockyer as a five-eighth - has thrown the spotlight on his future with the national side.
However, Test selectors today indicated they were likely to retain the Brisbane playmaker in the No.1 jersey rather than name a dream halves pairing of Lockyer and Andrew Johns for the April 23 clash with the Kiwis.
"He's the best fullback in the world," national selector Bob McCarthy said today.
"I'd prefer to have him fresh back at fullback rather than having those big Kiwi forwards running at him.
"We might just leave him there for the time being."
With good reason.
Lockyer, who has played 20 Tests and been a fixture in the Australian side since 1998, is widely regarded as the best fullback of his generation.
That reputation was only enhanced by his performance on the Kangaroo tour, where he led an understrength national side to a 3-0 series win over Great Britain.
Lockyer was a standout in all three Tests, producing a memorable display in the third game to drag his side out of trouble.
He also took on more of a playmaking role as national coach Chris Anderson was forced to make do with a host of makeshift five-eighths in the injury-enforced absence of Trent Barrett.
Sydney Roosters hooker Craig Wing, Penrith halfback Craig Gower and Roosters forward Michael Crocker were all given a shot at the No.6 jersey.
But Barrett's return, Gower's maturity and Scott Hill's comeback for Melbourne ensure selectors will have options galore come the New Zealand Test at EnergyAustralia Stadium in Newcastle.
"I thought he should have played five-eighth all last year for Queensland," national selector Arthur Beetson said of Lockyer.
"But I still think he's the best fullback in the world. That will never change.
"He's the best fullback we have had for a long time."
Lockyer will have six matches to display his wares to national selectors before they sit down to select the side for the New Zealand Test.
Coach Wayne Bennett will have the chance to air his views on players, although he is not officially part of the selection panel.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I'm glad they want to put him at fullback.
He might be the best fullback in the world and best 5/8th for Brisbane, but there are better 5/8ths in the game.
Trent Barret being just one of them.
