DeeGan
06-10-05, 11:46 AM
Lockyer injury is a worry
By Dean Ritchie
October 6, 2005
AUSTRALIA five-eighth Darren Lockyer and centre Matt Cooper missed most of yesterday's Kangaroos training session with hamstring injuries.
The pair did some straight-line running but did not complete any explosive work.
The injury has Lockyer in some doubt for the October 15 Test match against New Zealand in Sydney.
Asked would he be first-string five-eighth for the tour, Lockyer said: "Maybe in the first game but after that who knows.
"Since the 2000 World Cup this is probably the strongest squad we have picked."
Then asked was there any chance of a return to fullback, Lockyer said: "It hasn't been talked about."
Meanwhile, New Zealand coach Brian McClennan is considering naming unheralded Sharks winger Luke Covell in his team to play Australia.
"Luke's made himself available. To have a goalkicking winger is exciting and certainly strengthens our squad," he said.
McClennan said Covell was identified by using a database of eligible players with Kiwi parentage.
"There's a lot that can qualify. We are always on the lookout," he said.
Outside the international, a new challenge awaits David Peachey after the Sharks veteran yesterday vowed to return Widnes to the English Super League by the end of his new two-year deal.
Peachey finally ended the anxious wait for Widnes by confirming he would stay with the Vikings and help them gain Super League promotion next season.
I saw this interview and it shows Darren Lockyer is one not comfortable in talking about himself as a player. He is not the only one. Don't expect media grabbing headlines from Lockyer when your trying to get him to open up about his form or position in a team.
Darren Lockyer has over a week to get his hamstring right, he will be playing in the opening test and will remain at five-eight injury permitting for the entire series outside Andrew Johns.
DeeGan
By Dean Ritchie
October 6, 2005
AUSTRALIA five-eighth Darren Lockyer and centre Matt Cooper missed most of yesterday's Kangaroos training session with hamstring injuries.
The pair did some straight-line running but did not complete any explosive work.
The injury has Lockyer in some doubt for the October 15 Test match against New Zealand in Sydney.
Asked would he be first-string five-eighth for the tour, Lockyer said: "Maybe in the first game but after that who knows.
"Since the 2000 World Cup this is probably the strongest squad we have picked."
Then asked was there any chance of a return to fullback, Lockyer said: "It hasn't been talked about."
Meanwhile, New Zealand coach Brian McClennan is considering naming unheralded Sharks winger Luke Covell in his team to play Australia.
"Luke's made himself available. To have a goalkicking winger is exciting and certainly strengthens our squad," he said.
McClennan said Covell was identified by using a database of eligible players with Kiwi parentage.
"There's a lot that can qualify. We are always on the lookout," he said.
Outside the international, a new challenge awaits David Peachey after the Sharks veteran yesterday vowed to return Widnes to the English Super League by the end of his new two-year deal.
Peachey finally ended the anxious wait for Widnes by confirming he would stay with the Vikings and help them gain Super League promotion next season.
I saw this interview and it shows Darren Lockyer is one not comfortable in talking about himself as a player. He is not the only one. Don't expect media grabbing headlines from Lockyer when your trying to get him to open up about his form or position in a team.
Darren Lockyer has over a week to get his hamstring right, he will be playing in the opening test and will remain at five-eight injury permitting for the entire series outside Andrew Johns.
DeeGan