Darren Lockyer’s comeback made special by win over New Zealand - Rugby
Darren Lockyer of Australia was magnificent in his on-field performance against New Zealand, which resulted in a 42-6 win for Kangaroos, on Sunday, October 16. Lockyer had stolen the show with his contribution in three of his side’s seven tries, which was
well beyond expectations. The player had only played one game in the past two month’s time because of a knee injury.
However, despite the fact that the expectations were low, the player had displayed proof of his on field brilliance. The player hit the ground running and made sure he was noticed.
Saturday night’s clash was the prop’s first appearance after he had fractured his cheekbone while playing for Brisbane Broncos against St George Illawarra, in the National Rugby League (NRL) play-offs that were staged last month.
However, in his comeback encounter on Saturday, Russell Packer of the opposing side entangled him in a dangerous tackle.
The nasty tackle by Packer may oust him from the rematch between the teams on Friday, which will be the inaugural game of Four Nations campaign.
When Packer’s furious tackle brought down Lockyer, the English referee, Phil Bentham, took immediate notice of the misconduct and the case was reported for further investigations.
Packer will be informed of the decision taken by the international rugby league judiciary today, but Lockyer will reserve his comments and let the judiciary do their bit.
While recalling the dangerous tackle, Lockyer said, "He caught me, but it's in the hands of the judiciary, I am staying out of it, but I am OK, there are no dramas there. There was no contact with the damaged eye, it was the other side. I was a little bit
dazed for a bit, but it was on the other side, and I am pretty sure it was not intentional."
Lockyer reckons that the kiwi player may not have done it intentionally because the hit was not made on the already injured side. Nonetheless the less the player is leaving the case entirely in the judiciaries hands.
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