On Friday the 12th of August 2011, Darren Lockyer will stand alone as playing the most NRL games at a monumental 350. It has taken the champion playmaker almost 17 seasons since his debut for the Brisbane Broncos in 1995 to rack up the record. The fact that Lockyer is a 'one club man' is an achievement in itself, but that does not mean NRL matches get any simpler.
Standing in Lockyer's way for a dream record breaker is the North Queensland Cowboys, who always step up to the occasion of the 'local derby'.
Friday night's game is also important for a number of reasons.
Of course for Darren Lockyer the Queensland and Australian captain breaks the game playing record which will be the major focus of the game, even though it is being played at Dairy Farmers Stadium in Townsville.
The Broncos and the Cowboys who currently sit third and fourth, respectively, on the NRL ladder will both be looking for ascendancy over another finals bound team. This is of particular importance to both teams as the finals are now just four weeks away and momentum counts for so much for teams that want a shot a premiership glory.
The Cowboys always like beating the Broncos and have been fairly successful against their 'big brothers' over the past few seasons. However, this match will see how well the Cowboys fair against a good defensive side. The Cowboys' season has seen them score a lot of points in the second half which has at times won them games, but so close to the finals they will want to get off to a much better start.
North Queensland will also see the return of their co-captains, main man Johnathan Thurston and their major, metre gainer Matt Scott. Both players are of huge importance to the team as both lead from the front. When all eyes are not watching Lockyer, you can bet they will be on Thurston. The star halfback has not seen any match time since a horrific knee injury sustained in State of Origin 3 in July.
How Thurston plays will show how far the people of North Queensland can expect their team to go come finals time.
The inclusion of Thurston does add some level of irony to the match. Just earlier in the year 'JT' was partner in crime to Lockyer in their last Origin match together. At the point in time he would have done all he could to see the Maroons skipper go out a winner.
This time will be different.
Rightfully, the interest level of Thurston's return will be high but this game is all about Lockyer.
Standing alongside the great man is his newly announced successor, Sam Thaiday who will be looking to gain the favour of some surprised Broncos fans. His impact along with the undoubted effort and leadership of Darren Lockyer should see the Broncos lift to give their great captain a win in his record breaking 350th match.
Although it will not be easy, this game is sure to be a cracker.
Standing in Lockyer's way for a dream record breaker is the North Queensland Cowboys, who always step up to the occasion of the 'local derby'.
Friday night's game is also important for a number of reasons.
Of course for Darren Lockyer the Queensland and Australian captain breaks the game playing record which will be the major focus of the game, even though it is being played at Dairy Farmers Stadium in Townsville.
The Broncos and the Cowboys who currently sit third and fourth, respectively, on the NRL ladder will both be looking for ascendancy over another finals bound team. This is of particular importance to both teams as the finals are now just four weeks away and momentum counts for so much for teams that want a shot a premiership glory.
The Cowboys always like beating the Broncos and have been fairly successful against their 'big brothers' over the past few seasons. However, this match will see how well the Cowboys fair against a good defensive side. The Cowboys' season has seen them score a lot of points in the second half which has at times won them games, but so close to the finals they will want to get off to a much better start.
North Queensland will also see the return of their co-captains, main man Johnathan Thurston and their major, metre gainer Matt Scott. Both players are of huge importance to the team as both lead from the front. When all eyes are not watching Lockyer, you can bet they will be on Thurston. The star halfback has not seen any match time since a horrific knee injury sustained in State of Origin 3 in July.
How Thurston plays will show how far the people of North Queensland can expect their team to go come finals time.
The inclusion of Thurston does add some level of irony to the match. Just earlier in the year 'JT' was partner in crime to Lockyer in their last Origin match together. At the point in time he would have done all he could to see the Maroons skipper go out a winner.
This time will be different.
Rightfully, the interest level of Thurston's return will be high but this game is all about Lockyer.
Standing alongside the great man is his newly announced successor, Sam Thaiday who will be looking to gain the favour of some surprised Broncos fans. His impact along with the undoubted effort and leadership of Darren Lockyer should see the Broncos lift to give their great captain a win in his record breaking 350th match.
Although it will not be easy, this game is sure to be a cracker.
1 comment:
Channel 9 should read your blog.
Post a Comment