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Darren Lockyer ruled out of Brisbane Broncos' clash with Canberra
By Wayne Heming
August 31, 2010
A disappointed Darren Lockyer has conceded defeat in his bid to return from a nasty rib injury for Friday night's do-or-die NRL clash against Canberra at Suncorp Stadium.
Lockyer indicated he had not given up hope of playing after his first public training session on Tuesday since having his ribs popped in a brutal tackle by North Queensland Cowboys forward Luke O'Donnell just over three weeks ago.
However after cooling down and talking to coach Ivan Henjak, the champion five-eighth decided that while he desperately wanted to play, it would present too big a risk to the team.
"I trained with the boys this afternoon and everything seemed to go okay,'' Lockyer said in a statement released by the Broncos.
"But when I did some private contact work I realised the injury is not ready for an NRL game yet.
"I had to make the right decision and I know I have.''
Neither Lockyer or halfback Peter Wallace (shoulder) were named in Brisbane's 17-man squad, with youngsters Ben Hunt and Corey Norman set to be re-united in the halves after playing together for Brisbane's under 20s side in 2009.
Damaging forward Sam Thaiday was a noticeable absentee at training, nursing a bruised sternum and a gashed leg which was a concern because of the risk of infection.
Thaiday, whose leadership will be required against the Raiders with Brisbane needing to win by at least 15 points, is expected to play.
Henjak added 110kg prop Nick Kenny to his bench in a bid to offset Canberra's massive front-row rotation which includes Dave Shillington, Dane Tilse and Tom Learoyd-Lahrs.
Fourth-placed Gold Coast Titans have their share of injury worries ahead of their crucial clash with the second-placed Wests Tigers on Friday night.
Inspirational forward leader Luke Bailey is expected to play despite undergoing minor surgery on his broken thumb on Tuesday.
A Titans spokesman said Bailey would be reassessed later this week following a visit to his specialist.
However livewire fullback Preston Campbell is out after succumbing to a hamstring complaint, and will be replaced by William Zillman.
Backrower Anthony Laffranchi (shoulder) and pivot Mat Rogers (hip) return, with Laffranchi keeping his fingers crossed Bailey will be given the thumbs up to run out alongside him at Skilled Park on Friday night.
"He's our inspirational leader, a cornerstone of our pack,'' Laffranchi said.
"Fingers crossed, or thumbs crossed, he will play.''
Wests Tigers coach Tim Sheens has recalled Geoff Daniela for Chris Lawrence (broken jaw), while Willie Mataka comes onto the bench for veteran John Skandalis (buttock).
Young Penrith prop Tim Grant will make a timely return from an ankle injury to take the place of skipper Petero Civoniceva (suspension).
While Sharks-bound playmaker Wade Graham has been recalled from purgatory to replace Luke Walsh (ankle), with Penrith officials hopeful of having their halfback back for week one of the finals.
Manly's Josh Perry (knee) has helped ease the worries for Sea Eagles coach Des Hasler, with Glenn Stewart to miss four games due to suspension.
Injured quartet Steve Matai, Anthony Watmough, Jason King and Brent Kite were all named to face Canterbury-Bankstown on Sunday in a game the Sea Eagles must win to be guaranteed a finals berth.
goodbye broncos
By Wayne Heming
August 31, 2010
A disappointed Darren Lockyer has conceded defeat in his bid to return from a nasty rib injury for Friday night's do-or-die NRL clash against Canberra at Suncorp Stadium.
Lockyer indicated he had not given up hope of playing after his first public training session on Tuesday since having his ribs popped in a brutal tackle by North Queensland Cowboys forward Luke O'Donnell just over three weeks ago.
However after cooling down and talking to coach Ivan Henjak, the champion five-eighth decided that while he desperately wanted to play, it would present too big a risk to the team.
"I trained with the boys this afternoon and everything seemed to go okay,'' Lockyer said in a statement released by the Broncos.
"But when I did some private contact work I realised the injury is not ready for an NRL game yet.
"I had to make the right decision and I know I have.''
Neither Lockyer or halfback Peter Wallace (shoulder) were named in Brisbane's 17-man squad, with youngsters Ben Hunt and Corey Norman set to be re-united in the halves after playing together for Brisbane's under 20s side in 2009.
Damaging forward Sam Thaiday was a noticeable absentee at training, nursing a bruised sternum and a gashed leg which was a concern because of the risk of infection.
Thaiday, whose leadership will be required against the Raiders with Brisbane needing to win by at least 15 points, is expected to play.
Henjak added 110kg prop Nick Kenny to his bench in a bid to offset Canberra's massive front-row rotation which includes Dave Shillington, Dane Tilse and Tom Learoyd-Lahrs.
Fourth-placed Gold Coast Titans have their share of injury worries ahead of their crucial clash with the second-placed Wests Tigers on Friday night.
Inspirational forward leader Luke Bailey is expected to play despite undergoing minor surgery on his broken thumb on Tuesday.
A Titans spokesman said Bailey would be reassessed later this week following a visit to his specialist.
However livewire fullback Preston Campbell is out after succumbing to a hamstring complaint, and will be replaced by William Zillman.
Backrower Anthony Laffranchi (shoulder) and pivot Mat Rogers (hip) return, with Laffranchi keeping his fingers crossed Bailey will be given the thumbs up to run out alongside him at Skilled Park on Friday night.
"He's our inspirational leader, a cornerstone of our pack,'' Laffranchi said.
"Fingers crossed, or thumbs crossed, he will play.''
Wests Tigers coach Tim Sheens has recalled Geoff Daniela for Chris Lawrence (broken jaw), while Willie Mataka comes onto the bench for veteran John Skandalis (buttock).
Young Penrith prop Tim Grant will make a timely return from an ankle injury to take the place of skipper Petero Civoniceva (suspension).
While Sharks-bound playmaker Wade Graham has been recalled from purgatory to replace Luke Walsh (ankle), with Penrith officials hopeful of having their halfback back for week one of the finals.
Manly's Josh Perry (knee) has helped ease the worries for Sea Eagles coach Des Hasler, with Glenn Stewart to miss four games due to suspension.
Injured quartet Steve Matai, Anthony Watmough, Jason King and Brent Kite were all named to face Canterbury-Bankstown on Sunday in a game the Sea Eagles must win to be guaranteed a finals berth.
goodbye broncos
