Lockyer - Darren Lockyer: an autobiography

About the Book

UPDATED EDITION OF THE NATIONAL BESTSELLER

Darren Lockyer has spent the last 17 years pushing his body to its limits in perhaps the toughest football competition in the world. Upon his retirement at the end of the 2011 NRL season, Lockyer set the all-time appearance record for club, state and country. The remarkable longevity of Lockyers excellence has earned him the respect of fellow athletes around the world and the adoration of fans everywhere. But while undoubtedly one of the most recognisable athletes in Australia, Lockyer has largely maintained his privacy.

In this book, for the first time, Lockyer opens up on the people, places, incidents and events that have shaped the life and career of an Australian sporting icon. From his days growing up and working at the family-owned truck stop on the outskirts of the tiny Queensland town of Wandoan, to his arrival at the Broncos as a teenage sensation and subsequent ascension toward rugby league immortality, this book will shed new light on some of the biggest names and stories of the past two decades. Contributions from Lockyers family and friends, as well as legendary figures like Wayne Bennett, Wendell Sailor, Andrew Johns, Mal Meninga, Johnathan Thurston, Gorden Tallis, George Gregan, Ricky Stuart and Craig Bellamy, give this book a unique edge, with each providing a rare insight into Lockyer: the player, the leader and the man.

DARREN LOCKYER is one of rugby leagues most famous and well-regarded sons. His retirement in 2011 marked the end of an era.

DAN KOCH, formerly a senior journalist at The Australian , is a Queensland rugby league reporter for Channel 9.

Contents

Lockys Last Goodbye

by Rupert McCall

I went for many reasons when, at last, the moment came More than just to say I witnessed Lockys final game More than just to honour his incredible career And revel in the shiver of that curtain-closing cheer The brilliance of his legacy alive in every stat There was bound to be emotion, but I went for more than that I went for more than fanfare... I went for more than praise Beyond the recollection of his early Bronco days The bandy blond-haired Roma boy who set the turf alight As an undisputed golden-booted fullback in full flight To the making of a genius packing all the magic tricks When, again, he ruled the battlefield, but this time wearing 6 So many times responding to the pressure of the roar His composure quite colossal, still, I went for something more A loyal one-club team man and a journeyman untold A stand-alone in proud maroon a gun in green and gold Every trophy-raising triumph every title every cup A warrior of courage knock him down, he gets back up I went for more than knowing this and standing to applaud A man of true humility collectively adored In the gaze of those around me, I could feel the admiration So many here to see him off to own the inspiration Every priceless memory unravelled in their eye There was something in the gravel of his raspy last goodbye Something that was welling in the hearts of grown men It was hard to think wed never see his pin-point pass again Never laud his left foot roost, his balance and his speed Never toast his poise and his ability to lead Yet never, on the same hand, would the football world forget Greatness shines forever in the names of some weve met... Yes I went for many reasons when, at last, the moment came But the most important reason why I went to see that game When the full-time whistle echoed out and all was said and done The truth defines a simple fact I went to take my son Because the day he put a Darren Lockyer poster on his wall Was the day his father quietly smiled and stood so very tall

For my parents, David and Sharon. I know the privileged life I have lived and the achievements I have made are only possible because of the sacrifices you made in order to provide for my brothers and me.

To Sunny and his future brothers or sisters, and their future generations. The following pages tell the story of my surreal journey from my childhood to playing rugby league to my retirement.

I hope the story contained is something you are proud to acknowledge as part of your own history.

Darren Lockyer

In loving memory of Kristopher Zealey, R.I.P., 6 April 2011. To Eli, you carry your uncles name. If you grow up to be half the man he was, youll have made your mum and dad proud.

Dan Koch

Foreword

by Wayne Bennett

I am on the record many times dismissing the assertion that footballers or other elite sportsmen and sportswomen are role models for our youth, because I strongly believe that responsibility lies with parents and family.

But there is an exception to every rule, and Darren Lockyer is that exception.

The example he sets in every aspect of his life, on and off the sporting field, is one to which all young people could aspire if their desire is to live a rewarding life achieving their potential.

But Darren is an enigma. By nature he is shy, modest to a fault and happiest when he is sitting alone in a corner watching friends have a great time.

He does not need to be the centre of attention, the life of any party.

He is a perfectionist to the point of obsession, whether it is combing his hair or passing a football, but he is strong-minded enough to not allow this trait to completely dominate his life.

Throw all that into the mix, and it is understandable for you to ask how it adds up to a brilliant athlete, a leader of men, and a fierce competitor in what is the toughest sport of all rugby league.

I think it is because Darren has developed the intellectual capacity to balance his life. He can recognise when he needs a break, needs a night out, or just needs to get away from it all and spend quiet time with his family. People who compete at his level need that. Put bluntly, he knows himself well, knows his limitations, and is content with just being Darren.

I am regularly asked to identify the qualities that made Darren the champion footballer also the great leader of his states and nations football teams for almost a decade. This has been one of his outstanding achievements, because he was not born with leadership qualities or aspirations. He just wanted to do the best he could and not be the centre of attention.

But he had the captaincy of the Broncos, Queensland and Australia thrust upon him, and typically he considered what was required to fulfil the position, took advice from those he trusted and accepted the challenge. The biggest change was to his own personality. A captain of an elite sporting team cannot expect to just lead by example. He has also to speak out, demand performance, inspire, be involved in game and personality analyses, and be the public face of the team, handling criticism in those times when things are not going well.

This was anathema to Darren, but he made himself change. He accepted the challenge, and history shows what a success he made of it.

What has most impressed me about Darren is his sportsmanship. He has never been sin-binned or sent off for foul play, never been penalised for arguing with a referees decision, never been suspended and never thrown a punch on the field.

His sportsmanship has been unparalleled in my coaching career. Nobody ever tries to cheap-shot Darren Lockyer because these players have played with and against him many times, and they respect him too much to stoop to such conduct.