Darren Lockyer may have played his last NRL match after ruling himself out of Friday’s night’s preliminary final against Manly.

The Broncos captain withdrew from the game, fearing the high risk of playing with a fracture to his cheekbone.

Stanley Uzunov reports.

TRANSCRIPT

A dream finale to a champion’s career could be all but over.

Despite sparking hope he would play after flying to Sydney by helicopter last night, Lockyer won’t take the field.

The decision allows the team to focus solely on the job at hand… downing an in-form Manly.

Darren Lockyer, Injured Bronco: “It’s important the team’s preparation is good this week and I think y’know with all the speculation around me not knowing, I’ve decided to make a call today.”

Retiring at the end of this season, he may have played his last game, although he is still hopeful of adding one more bout to his record three hundred and fifty-five game career.

Darren Lockyer, Injured Bronco: “I think Friday’s just a bit too soon and I’ve got faith in the team that we can get the job done this week and I’ll be definitely playing next week if the Broncos are still alive.”

Lockyer could have risked his eyesight by playing with a fractured cheekbone, after having surgery on Sunday.

Facing Manly without their inspirational skipper, the Broncos will still be confident, spurred on by their victory over St George Illawara last Saturday, a game which Lockyer dramatically sealed in extra-time.

His position at five-eighth is expected to be filled by young utility Matt Gillett.

Stanley Uzunov, QUT News.