Rugby League veteran Darren Lockyer suggests changes to make code stronger while retiring
Australian professional rugby league player Darren Lockyer has decided to hang up his boots after the upcoming final of the 2011 State of Origins championship. Queensland Rugby league team fullback and captain Lockyer will be looking forward to end his impressive
rugby league career with the title which would be his sixth consecutive cup if the squad wins.
The 34-year-old veteran has urged the sport’s governing bodies to make changes that in his opinion would help the game achieve popularity, compete with rugby union, attract more fans, help in the expansion of the game internationally and help the game to
be played at a faster pace. He believes that these changes would make the code stronger.
Brisbane born, Lockyer is nothing short of a legend in the National Rugby League. He is the captain of the Australian National Rugby League team, The Queensland State of Origin team and the Brisbane Broncos. Even more impressive is that he has led the sides
to secure titles in their respective competitions that include a historic achievement of winning tall three titles in the same year in 2006.
Lockyer has backed the removal of scrums from the game and believes that it would help make the game more entertaining. He said, “I think we need to be looking at ways to minimise stoppages which is why I'm not sure there's much point having scrums anymore."
Lockyer admitted that in the start it’ll look odd but in the long run the move will benefit rugby. He even suggested reducing the interchanges. He said, “Drop it (interchange) to eight and do away with the scrums and you'll have the best of both worlds.”
Lockyer backed his suggestion with examples from the current scenario of the game. He said, “I'm not saying it has to happen but as players get fitter and stronger you need to find ways to get them to fatigue so it's not just a bash and barge game. You watch
those games and they'd get stuck into each other early but once that was over the footy starts to open up, that’s the trend I believe can take the game forward.”
Lockyer has termed the inclusion of the video referee as a good and refreshing move for players. He added that the time taken by the referee to make decisions helps the players get some rest between plays.
Lockyer has further urged the management of the sport’s governing body’s to raise the salary caps of the players. He again has reiterated his demand for a separate and independent panel to address the off-field disciplinary issues.
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