Tribute To Darren Lockyer

An Aussie every non-Aussie loved to hate. But an Aussie everyone respected and held in high regard.

On Saturday, Darren Lockyer got the fairy-tale ending his illustrious career deserved - a win in a Final for his own country, a winner at the highest level of his sport. And not only that, he got the last laugh with the last try of the game.

Shame he couldn't quite nail the straightforward conversion. In fact, he actually dragged it quite badly off the side of his foot - a bit like me top edging a golf ball. It was quite comical and very Bradmanesque - the Don of course got a duck in his last ever innings, Lockyer probably missed his first ever conversion in front of goal.

Perhaps emotion had gotten to the very likeable and popular Queenslander and Brisbane Bronco. Furthermore, the Kangaroos had all but won that game and were just riding out the last few minutes to the trophy presentation. Still, it made for a moment that probably will be remembered than if he had actually nailed the kick.  

From the moment the Four Nations kicked off, this was Lockyer's and the Kangaroo's tournament to lose. And they made sure they didn't quite comfortably, returning to their dominant selves and totally outclassing the opposition. Lockyer may not have played as much a part as he did - in fact the Kangaroos only pulled away once Cooper Cronk was on the field - but he was still the main character on the field, just as Michael Schumacher was in F1 when he was driving for Ferrari.

Lockyer and Thurston formed quite a halves duo for their state and country, and definitely one of the great rugby league half pairings we've ever seen. It'll be quite interesting to see who partners Thurston in the maroon jumper next season.

What made Lockyer stand out from his peers was his demeanour. Unlike so many of his peers who fell victim to the issues that came with becoming famous rugby league players, Lockyer remained on the straight and true and never really got into those shenanigans. He was a good old fashioned Aussie bloke and while I did say sports stars should not be role models, if there was someone to emulate, Lockyer would be my first choice.

So rugby league says goodbye to Darren Lockyer. Champion with club, state and country. Came in a winner and left a winner. Yet he never boasted of his glories and remained just an ordinary Aussie bloke.

What a legend. He will be truly missed.

Darren's last ever action in rugby league: