Civoniceva praises Lockyer

Lockyer: On brink of international retirement

I suppose when we're all old and retired and reflect on the good players we've been fortunate enough to play alongside, he'll definitely top the list

Petero Civoniceva
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Veteran Australia prop Petero Civoniceva has paid tribute to skipper Darren Lockyer ahead of his possible retirement from the international game.

Brisbane Broncos stand-off Lockyer has revealed he is "95 per cent certain" to bring down the curtain on his international career with the Gillette Four Nations final against England at Elland Road.

The match will win Lockyer his 50th cap for Australia and former Broncos colleague Civoniceva is in awe of what the 32-year-old has accomplished.

"It's an amazing achievement," said Civoniceva.

"There's not much more in the game that the guy can do.

"I've just been so lucky to have played not only club football but State of Origin and international football alongside him.

"I suppose when we're all old and retired and reflect on the good players we've been fortunate enough to play alongside, he'll definitely top the list.

"His past performances and what he's been able to do single-handedly shows what a champion he is. He won't speak about it too much but I know deep down he's so proud of what he's been able to do."

Currently on his seventh tour of the United Kingdom, Lockyer has already broken two records in the tournament, becoming Australia's highest capped player in the opening match and succeeding Clive Churchill as his country's most experienced captain in Paris.

Milestone

After equalling Ken Irvine's record of 33 as most prolific try-scorer in the Kangaroos' 26-16 victory over England in Wigan, Lockyer could be set to achieve another milestone in the upcoming Four Nations crunch match.

"I'd love to see him break that record," added Civoniceva, who will win his 40th cap in the final and break John Raper's record as the most-capped Australia forward.

"It would be another feather in the cap for him and, if anyone deserves it in our game, it's definitely Darren.

"He's put so much into his football. I've been very lucky to have grown up with him and been part of those great teams alongside him."

Lockyer is expected to play his last final on English soil in a Kangaroo jersey before signing a new two-year deal with Brisbane on his return home, although he has not ruled out a 2012 swansong in the Super League.

"I was always going to weigh up everything early next year and decide whether I make myself available for rep football," he said.

"I won't make that decision until just prior to the season but it's pretty much 95 per cent that it's the last time I'll be in England playing for Australia."