Decision Time for Locky

50 Tests for Australia, including Kangaroo tours and 4 Super League Tests in 1997. Successful World Cup and Tri-Nation honours and also seven years as the Australian Captain.

30 matches for Queensland, then add a record 4 straight series wins. You would have to say Darren Lockyer is a legend of the modern game at playing representative football.

The question in mind for everybody, and yes even for us New South Welshman is will he play representative football in 2010?

Darren Lockyer is yet to give a decision on his representative playing future to either the media or the East coast border of Australia.

However, some experts believe that the ANZAC test played at the new Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, maybe the last honours for Darren.

The Dilemma...

Brisbane, if they had the team of the 90's, could be able to play Lockyer in the State of Origin. The problem this year is they are lacking the depth the Broncos once had.

Brisbane started Round one's clash last Friday Night with three debutantes. Chris Norman; played fullback and received man of the match, Mitchell Dodds and Matt Gillett.

With injury also to Justin Hodges and P.J Marsh retiring, and the hefty load Brisbane already pay with representatives like Folau, Wallace, Parker, Thaiday and Kenny.
It would be hard for Darren to play origin, giving that Brisbane have gave so much to him. Darren might feel the need to give back to Brisbane for loyalty purposes, he might decide that only playing with the Broncos this season is his due responsibility.

Darren Lockyer the veteran is hoping to play, however I feel if he does not play it is because the Broncos need him mid-season if they are a chance to make it to September.

Though, I think New South Wales are hoping that he does not play. The amount of times Darren has snatched victory in the final moments of these war's called State of Origin is insurmountable. Off the top of my head I can think of at least three.

State of Origin is the highest level of Rugby League and 'Dad's Army' is ready to play together again. However if they are a chance of winning, they need Locky to be there.

Without Locky NSW will gain something they have not touched for four years running, the prestigious State of Origin shield.

I only hope for New South Wales, that selectors can pick a team that does the job. They are getting close, but it seems they always go around in circles picking the same players.

Barrett, nope does not work. Kimmorley, does not work then back to Barrett, same problem again. As you can see, this is just the halve combination's, I cannot even begin with the forwards.

The big reason why Queensland the past four series have had so much success is that they have selected the same players. This gives opportunities like bonding, understanding individuals roles and the belief that they can win.

And with the great names like Darren Lockyer, Jonathan Thurston, Cameron Smith, Billy Slater, Israel Folau, Justin Hodges, Sam Thaiday and Greg Inglis; where does the list stop? It has only helped the Maroons domination of the past series.

And then not to mention the players that are eligible for Queensland, but cannot make the side for the above reasons. Scott Prince seems to be the unlucky one amongst all of them.

Darren may path the way for a new representative player to come through the ranks of the Maroons, but it would be in just for Scott Prince. And again in just for Scott if Darren does play. What depth Queensland have.

I think Darren will play the Origin Series for one last time. He knows Queensland has the team to protect him in defense. A Queensland team with great depth, history, values and skill.
Plus a Queensland team that knows how to win and believes enough to go five series straight against the Blues.

This will be in the back of Darren's mind. I only hope Brisbane Broncos let this war veteran play one last time for us fans, who also have given Darren so much over his career.

Written Cahn D. Cotter
16th March, 2010