Darren Lockyer

After having played Australian rules in Brisbane, Darren Lockyer 'found' rugby league when the family moved to Roma.

He played juniors for Roma Cities Gladiators, and represented Queensland at Primary School level. Lockyer was 14 when legendary Broncos' scout, Cyril Connell spotted him playing football at Roma.

Connell put him on a scholarship when Lockyer turned 15. In his first five years at the Broncos, Lockyer won three premierships.

From the time he made his debut against Parramatta on June 25, 1995, at the age of 18, Lockyer exuded class, calmness under pressure and toughness.

He made the fullback position his own during the 1997 Super League season, and quickly established himself as the game's top custodian, before reverting to his original five-eighth position in 2004.

He toured Britain with the Super League Australian side in 1997 and the following year made his full Test debut against the Kiwis. Lockyer also made his State of Origin debut in the 1998 series win.

In 2001, he became Queensland captain for the first time, and in 2006 he led the Maroons to their first Origin series win in four years. It was the first of eight series wins in a row.

It was a toss-up between 1998 and 2006 as to which was Lockyer's best season. In 1998 he was part of the Trans-Tasman series win over the Kiwis; an Origin series victory over the Blues and a premiership win over Canterbury.

In 2006, Lockyer lead Queensland to victory in the Game III, pouncing on a loose ball and scoring the try that started the Maroons decade of dominance. Lockyer lead the Broncos to another premiership later that year with a 16-13 victory over the Melbourne Storm at ANZ Stadium.

He was also Dally M Fullback of the Year. In 2006, there was the the Origin triumph; a grand final win over arch rivals, Melbourne, with Lockyer as skipper; a Tri-Nations series win, and the Golden Boot Award as the World's Best Player.

In 2006, Darren's brother, Matt represented Queensland Residents. In 2000 Lockyer won the Clive Churchill Medal as Player of the Match in the grand final win.

Lockyer finished his glittering career at the end of the 2011 season with a club record 355 first grade appearances for the Broncos; a record 59 Tests for Australia, including a record 38 as captain. He also scored a record 35 Test tries. 

Lockyer played 36 Origins for Queensland, 22 as captain, and won nine series during his 13 years of service. His 1191 points for the Broncos has only been bettered by Corey Parker (1328).

Lockyer still holds the record for most points in a season by a Bronco - 272 in 1998.

In 2018, Lockyer was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame, becoming the 23rd rugby league player to receive the prestigious honour.

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.

Paul White Former Broncos CEO

Little wonder there is a Darren Lockyer statue outside Suncorp Stadium. Life after football has seen Lockyer tackle a number of business and media roles, as well as staying actively involved with the Broncos, as a director.