Darren Lockyer Announces Retirement

Moderator Posts: 5742 Age: 21 Location: QLD

Quote:

Darren Lockyer has today announced that the 2011 season will be his final year in the National Rugby League.

Lockyer, who turned 34 last week, said he was pleased and comfortable with his decision to retire after 17 seasons of top-grade football.

He will leave the game holding nearly every record of note.

Lockyer, who became a father last year, said today he felt the time was right to move on to the next chapter of his life.

“I am still enjoying playing and am really excited about the Broncos and rest of the 2011 year,” he said.

“Of course it will be hard to leave my teammates and the Broncos’ organisation at the end of the season, but I know the timing is right.

“I have had a wonderful career as a rugby league player, but I just feel it is time to move on to the next stage of my life.”

Lockyer said he had no concrete plans for future involvement in the game at this point in time.

“Of course I will observe the game and watch what is going on, but at this point I am going to take a compete break from the day-to-day grind of the NRL,” he said.

NRMA Insurance Broncos chief executive Paul White said today was a historic day for the club as the Broncos began the transition into life without Darren Lockyer.

“We appreciate the integrity that Darren has shown and the way he has decided to make this announcement now, which will allow our fans to celebrate his achievement for the rest of the season,” he said.

“I think it is fair to say that we will never have another player like Darren Lockyer.

“He has driven success here at the Broncos, has been a tremendous achiever at both club and representative level, and has been the epitome of professionalism for not only our club, but our game.

“Darren’s historical place in the very fabric of the game of rugby league is assured and he has deserved every accolade he has received.”

http://www.nrl.com/darren-lockyer-announces-hisretirement/tabid/10874/newsid/61970/default.aspx

Absolute legend of the game, future hall of famer, immortal the lot. Had to happen eventually but it's going to be a little strange seeing a Broncos side without Lockyer in it. Queensland legend, put everything into that Maroon jersey.. Hope he has a ripper year personally and this suddenly makes the Broncos even more Dangerous.. Locky Salut

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RIP Marco Simoncelli 1987 - 2011

XOXO

Guru Posts: 3774 Age: 21 Location: Qld

Worst news ever probably just because i didn't expect it, i'm totally not ready for life without Lockyer ahhh!! Ever since i started supporting the Broncos he's been my fav it's going to be totally weird not seeing him out there..

Guru Posts: 3820 Age: 20 Location: Maryborough

we'll need to buy a new half. wallace and hunt wont do

Guru Posts: 1330 Age: 17 Location: Oz

That's sad Crying or Very sad

Such a great player and has done so much for the sport

Hopefully Ricky follows his lead

Guru Posts: 1058 Location: Sydney

Locky

I was so sad when i first found out! I never want him to stop playing... i wanted him to be the Peter Pan on Rugby League haha.

Hope the Broncos do well this season for him, hope QLD go 6 in a row, hope Australia win every game under his captaincy and i also hope he breaks all the records mentioned at the start of the year.

Locky's a legend on and off the field... end of an era.

Guru Posts: 6119 Age: 35 Location: Bungle Bungles

Played against Darren twice before, it's fair to say he achieved slightly more.

My age has retired ....Reality is a Biter.

How many times has he scored at the end to win ...

Sad Day but the Sun will rise in the morning

Guru Posts: 2780 Age: 19 Location: Brisbane

i've never been a fan of lockyer, but i still have the upmost respect for the man. to give so much loyalty to the broncos, and to give so much to the game, to always pop up when the broncos needed a play to win a game he delivers, and also not getting up to mischeif are definitely traits that more players should follow.

and for that, mr. lockyer, you will be missed.

Subject: Re: Darren Lockyer Announces Retirement Mon Mar 28, 2011 9:32 pm

What a legend. Hope he breaks some more records

Administrator Posts: 10505 Location: Nth Queensland

LEGEND!!!

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Trainee Posts: 11

brisbane will miss him