Originally Posted by
"Foxsports.com.au
Refreshed Lockyer set to lead
By Dan Koch and Brent Read
October 3, 2005
TEST captain Darren Lockyer has dismissed calls for him to bypass the Tri-Nations tournament in favour of an extended rest, saying he has not felt fresher at the end of a season for years.
After watching Brisbane crash out of this year's NRL finals series, former Test skipper Gorden Tallis said Lockyer appeared "worn out" after several gruelling seasons lengthened by finals, State of Origin and Test football.
However, Lockyer, who will today be named to captain the 23-man Australia squad, said he had given no thought to missing the games against New Zealand and Great Britain next month.
Lockyer was feeling "as good as I have in a very long time" after missing three matches at the end of the year with a hamstring strain.
"I'm actually really looking forward to it," Lockyer said. "Obviously it's a huge honour to play for your country any chance you get, but from a personal point of view I am feeling really fresh.
"I didn't play much footy in the last six weeks of the competition because of injury and I have had a bit of a break since we got knocked out of the finals, so there's no tiredness at all."
Despite the return of halfback Andrew Johns to the line-up for the first time in three years, Lockyer said he expected the Kangaroos to be tested by England and New Zealand.
But in an ominous warning for the Lions and Kiwis, Lockyer also suggested he was desperately keen to get back in the winners' circle after Brisbane bowed out of the NRL premiership race.
"It was a pretty disappointing end to the club year for me," Lockyer said.
"It's been a while since I had a win so I'm pretty keen to get out and end that run. But it'll be a very tough series, just like it was last year.
"All three squads have a few blokes out because of injury, as you'd expect after a long season of footy, but the depth in England and New Zealand has improved a lot recently.
"Test football has improved every year since I've been playing and I don't think this year will be any different."
While loyalty to the players who were part of Australia's outstanding series win in England last year will play a big part in the make-up of coach Wayne Bennett's squad, selectors are also likely to find room to reward grand final sides North Queensland and Wests Tigers.
Cowboys duo Matt Sing and Matt Bowen are certain to tour. Back rower Luke O'Donnell and five-eighth Johnathan Thurston are expected to come into the mix.
For the Tigers, fullback Brett Hodgson and prop John Skandalis are in contention, although Bennett's commitment to his incumbents will be a difficult obstacle for both to overcome.
Despite calling for Skandalis to be chosen in front of him, Bulldogs giant Willie Mason is expected to tour, as is Panthers captain Craig Gower, despite their respective clubs' indifferent year.
The Kiwis are poised to name Tigers pair Benji Marshall and Dene Halatua in their 40-man squad despite Tigers coach Tim Sheens insisting both will undergo shoulder operations following last night's grand final.
New Zealand coach Brian McClennan's initial squad will include no England-based players, with players such as Ali Lauitiiti, Lesley Vainikolo, Shontayne Hape and Robbie Paul to be added for the northern matches.
"I'm hoping to get a bit of an indication from Benji and Dene tomorrow before we name it," McClennan said. "If we don't get hold of them we will name them and find out afterwards."
Australia squad (probable): Anthony Minichiello, Matt Sing, Mark Gasnier, Matt Cooper, Matt King, Darren Lockyer (captain), Andrew Johns, Petero Civoniceva, Danny Buderus, Jason Ryles, Craig Fitzgibbon, Nathan Hindmarsh, Ben Kennedy, Luke Bailey, Trent Barrett, Craig Gower, Luke O'Donnell, Matt Bowen, Steve Price, Willie Mason, Luke Rooney, Brent Tate, Steve Simpson.
The Australian