Lockyer`s rep call could steal limelight

While two competition points and righting the ship will be vital for both the Sydney
Roosters and Brisbane on Friday night, it could be Darren Lockyer's appearance at
the post-match press conference which steals the limelight.
Technically at least, that will be the Test captain's first appearance after his
round four deadline to make a decision on his future in representative football.
Reports suggest the 33-year-old is leaning towards pulling the pin on his 30-State
of Origin, 50-Test career.
Coach Ivan Henjak did little to suggest otherwise when the Broncos landed on
Thursday ahead of the traditional Good Friday Sydney Football Stadium clash.
"Darren's a really team-orientated guy and I know deep down his main concern is with
our footy team and what's happening there rather than what's in store for him down
the track," Henjak said.
"He just wants to see our footy team going well and I'm sure that's more a heavy
burden on him than the decision he has to make for his rep footy."
Henjak has said all along that he and the club wouldn't pressure Lockyer, and the
coach confirmed there was no sign of tension in his skipper.
"I haven't seen it in him anyway," Henjak said.
"He knows he's got a big decision to make, he'll do the right thing, he'll do what's
right for him and for the club."
While Melbourne star Greg Inglis may have been copping the flak about being
overweight this week, it was the Broncos and Roosters who were last weekend's
biggest losers.
Brisbane will be looking to turn around last Sunday's 48-16 belting by the Warriors
and getting a 1-2 season back on an even keel.
The Roosters' record 60-14 loss to Canterbury burst a bubble that had delivered the
rejuvenated club two first-up victories.
But at least the Roosters came through unscathed, while Brisbane lost backs Israel
Folau (finger) and Denan Kemp (ribs), adding to an already debilitating injury list.
They also lost assistant coach Allan Langer, who was suspended after a drink-driving
charge during the week.
"We're all feeling for (Langer) but apart from that we've picked a side and we've
had a good week of training and we're ready to go," Henjak said.
"When you have a poor performance and it gets a little bit embarrassing you always
want to try and erase that very quickly so the short turnaround has been good for
us."
Lockyer seemed to suggest his side had thrown in the towel against the Warriors and,
asked if the players had steeled themselves to prove that wrong, Henjak said: "You
never can tell until you get out there but I'd like to think their character's going
to demand that of them."
Roosters captain Braith Anasta said attitude had let his side down.
"We've got all the ability in the world and we can probably beat any team on our day
with our attack," he told AAP.
"You've got to win games on the back of your defence and your attitude in defence.
"We have got to make sure mentally we're there."
The Roosters have lost their past six Good Friday clashes with Brisbane, who are
undefeated at the SFS since 2005.