Darren Lockyer

[nielwill]

Hello people

I dont know how many of you will or wont agree but as you may be well aware that Darren Lockyer was one of the finest rugby league players ever to play the game not just for australia but in the world. But does anyone think it would be wise of the ARU to tempt him out of retirement to have a crack at rugby union. As Ive watched his whole career ive always felt it was a great shame that although he got a reasonably well known profile in rugby league, he never attempted to cross codes near end of his career like wendell sailor, mat rogers, etc did.

Because the only countries he could really test himself against in RL was new zealand and great britain but surely he would have been fed up playing the same two countries every year. Just imagine if he had played union now what a profile he would have got on world stage as he could have taken on dan carter and the all blacks, the south africans the six nations countries, he would have played in front of bigger crowds, possibly played against british lions touring australia next year, or joined a european side to play in heineken cup, and of course the rugby world cup and at least it would have been a proper world cup and got a much bigger profile than he has now.


Does anyone agree with me

 

[Amobokoboko]

I think he shouldn't be that bad in Union. a bit like SBW, Lote Tuqiri and Brad Thorn.
The only disadvantage would be his age. I reckon this brave warrior deserved his retirement.

 

[dasNdanger]

I never watched a lot of league play, but I always try to catch State of Origin each year. I really miss Darren this go-round. He was an excellent player, and as such I would love to see him continue in the game (league or union, doesn't matter). However, I think he's a league man through and through, and he's what I would consider a legend, as well. And as such, I think it's best to go out on top. Sure, he could jump around to other teams, maybe try his hand at union, but he risks playing himself out, both physically, and in the public eye. Nothing worse than a great player who lingers so long on the pitch he becomes a joke, or worse, a publicity token.

das

 

[SelimNiai]

Hello people

I dont know how many of you will or wont agree but as you may be well aware that Darren Lockyer was one of the finest rugby league players ever to play the game not just for australia but in the world. But does anyone think it would be wise of the ARU to tempt him out of retirement to have a crack at rugby union. As Ive watched his whole career ive always felt it was a great shame that although he got a reasonably well known profile in rugby league, he never attempted to cross codes near end of his career like wendell sailor, mat rogers, etc did.

Because the only countries he could really test himself against in RL was new zealand and great britain but surely he would have been fed up playing the same two countries every year. Just imagine if he had played union now what a profile he would have got on world stage as he could have taken on dan carter and the all blacks, the south africans the six nations countries, he would have played in front of bigger crowds, possibly played against british lions touring australia next year, or joined a european side to play in heineken cup, and of course the rugby world cup and at least it would have been a proper world cup and got a much bigger profile than he has now.


Does anyone agree with me

Since when does playing the best each year get boring, especially if you beat the best most of time.

I think his age and the fact, like most league-union convert, there isn't a specific position he can walk on to.

 

[nickdnz]

Now I think it's too late. 3-4 years ago I'd have said don't do it because you're a great league player, but I think he'd actually have been alright. Don't think he'd have made the Australian squad though, as I can only see him as a flyhalf, which is a position that doesn't transfer that well from league to union and visa versa.

 

[nielwill]

My main point was in rugby league australia only have to beat two teams (eg New zealand or GB) to be called best in world whereas in rugby union you have got a few more competitive countries and tournaments

 

[Feicarsinn]

My main point was in rugby league australia only have to beat two teams (eg New zealand or GB) to be called best in world whereas in rugby union you have got a few more competitive countries and tournaments

And there I was thinking it was about Darren Lockyer.

 

[dasNdanger]

My main point was in rugby league australia only have to beat two teams (eg New zealand or GB ) to be called best in world whereas in rugby union you have got a few more competitive countries and tournaments

Well, along that line of thinking, he'd also be playing against a much bigger talent pool, and in doing so may come up against players more his equal. That may make him seem more ordinary and lessen his iconic status. Of course, age would have a bearing - had he done it at 29 maybe it would be okay, but not at 35 (I believe that's his age).


das

 

[Larksea]

heh ok, bring back Mal Meninga while you're at it

 

[dw7]

Lockyer is one of the most intelligent players ever to play RL. Ability to pick the right option at first receiver whether creating lines for supporting runners with bullet passes or picking the right kick on the fifth was peerless.

Generically he had all the individual skills to succeed at union.
But union is complex & position sensitive, especially in the halfs.
Remember Mat Rogers grappling with the game at 10?

Personally I believe Jonathan Thurston would be more suited to a running 10 role than Lockyer.

The player the ARU should have broke the bank to convert is GI Greg Inglis.
Was in talks with Western Force & Toulon at different stages in the past.
Start him at wing and move him into a centre position.

A physical freak with the best fend in the game.
Inglis would offer something different & be the missing link in the Wallabies back line...

Ioane Genia Super Cooper OConnor Inglis AAC
Beale
Fantasy Rugby!