AUSTRALIAN and Queensland captain Darren Lockyer last night ruled himself out of the Centenary Test against New Zealand and then admitted he was in serious doubt for the opening match of the State of Origin series.
In a massive blow for the game in its centenary season, the Broncos five-eighth phoned Kangaroos coach Ricky Stuart yesterday morning and admitted he was an unlikely starter because of lingering pain in the knee he had reconstructed in June last year.
He will see a specialist today and is likely to undergo an arthroscopy as soon as possible in a bid to resurrect his season, although last night he was pessimistic about being fit for the first match of the Origin series against New South Wales in Sydney on May 21.
"Origin I is definitely doubtful but I want to move on this as quick as possible," Lockyer said. "From the advice I've received here, and back home at the Broncos, it's not confirmed yet but I'll look to get a scope on the knee. I'll be out for an indefinite period.
"I would've loved to have been a part of the game. [But] I couldn't have put in any preparation with the team. Going into the game, not knowing whether it would've held up, I would have been more of a liability. I've made the decision today so the team can bring in someone new."
Stuart confirmed he will move Greg Bird from lock to five-eighth and rush Storm hardman Michael Crocker into the side. He will finalise his starting back row today but Titans forward Anthony Laffranchi, despite his barnstorming display for Country against City on Friday night, will remain as the squad's 18th man.
Storm hooker Cameron Smith is the new captain for the match against the Kiwis at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Asked if it was difficult to keep the in-form Laffranchi out of the side, Stuart replied: "You'll have to ask the selectors. It wasn't my decision. They are two different players. One is in great form and then there's Michael, who's got the experience at this level for a one-off Test match."
Lockyer was in visible discomfort in his side's victory over Wests Tigers at Homebush on Saturday night but he and the Broncos indicated afterwards that he was in no danger of being ruled out.
Last night, he admitted he knew about 10 minutes into the game that he would be a doubtful starter for the Test.
"I had this feeling about it but I needed to make up my own mind, that's why I waited until this morning," Lockyer said. "That's why I didn't tell the media too much.
"I could've got through the Test match but then finishing the game would've been doubtful. It's such a big game, it's not worth the risk."
Lockyer has struggled so far this season after undergoing a knee reconstruction last year. He had been considered no chance of playing in the Test but shot back into contention after a strong comeback against the Rabbitohs in round seven. He insisted the best of his sparkling career is not over.
"I'm confident that once I get back to that 100 per cent fitness level, and the knee is going well, everything will be OK," he said.
The withdrawal of the game's best player for one of the marquee matches of the year is a savage blow for officials, who had put Lockyer front and centre of promotions.
"It's a big occasion for rugby league and to be involved this week is a privilege and a special honour," Stuart said. "It's massive blow. But more importantly it's the best decision for Darren Lockyer. He's put the team first."
