DARREN LOCKYER has been the face of Friday's Centenary Test but Australia's captain will miss the milestone match after succumbing to complications with his recently reconstructed knee.
The Broncos star has adorned thousands of posters promoting the Test between Australia and New Zealand in recent weeks but sadly that is the only time he will wear the historic blue and maroon-striped jumper.
Lockyer's State of Origin campaign is also under a cloud.
Cameron Smith (Melbourne) will again captain Australia in Lockyer's absence.
The 31-year-old limped around ANZ Stadium on Saturday night in the Broncos' win against Wests Tigers with his right knee heavily strapped.
As the team and staff arrived to go into camp in Sydney last night, their worst fears were confirmed.
"I would have loved to have been a part of the game. But with my knee I wouldn't have been able to put any preparation in with the team and I think in a rep team that's important ... with the new combinations," Lockyer said.
'Going into the game not knowing if it would hold up, to be honest I would have been more of a liability.
"It's such a big game and I would not be 100 per cent and it's not worth the risk."
Lockyer flew home to Brisbane last night to arrange an arthroscopy to find out the extent of damage.
The Queensland captain admitted his Origin campaign was also in doubt, given the first game is on May 21.
"My Origin is definitely doubtful. Then again, I want to move on this as quickly as I can," he said.
"I'm confident that once I get back to that 100 per cent fitness level, that long-term everything will be OK."
Swelling and soreness on the knee have hindered Lockyer in the opening rounds of 2008 after a knee reconstruction last July.
When he came through 80 minutes against Souths at Suncorp Stadium 10 days ago the Test selectors had no hesitation in naming him despite missing three club games due to his knee.
Australia coach Ricky Stuart said the loss would hit the team hard.
"It's a massive blow but more importantly it's the best decision for Darren Lockyer as it's very early in the season. He's put the team first, but that's Darren Lockyer all over," Stuart said.
"It's disappointing for us because we've lost one of the best players in the game today."
The other injury worry for Stuart is Justin Hodges (shoulder), who wanted to be rested from the first few days of training to ensure his fitness. Stuart said he would comply with his centre's request.
"I will. I'll talk to Justin first when he gets in (camp) and he'll give me a read on that," Stuart said.
"I'm sure he would have told me by now if he wasn't confident of playing."
Stuart had already named an 18th man for the Test in Titans second-rower Anthony Laffranchi but will need another back if Hodges is ruled out later in the week.
Warriors centre Brent Tate is the man most likely to step in should Hodges lose his fitness battle.
Greg Bird will move from lock to five-eighth in place of Lockyer while Michael Crocker comes into the squad of 17. Laffranchi remains as 18th man.
Bird's Cronulla team-mate Paul Gallen, who was originally named in the second row, should slip back to lock where he plays each week for the Sharks. But Stuart said he would decide on the backrow in the next few days.
* NSW coach Craig Bellamy has already made up his mind who will play halfback for the Blues against Queensland on May 21 but he's torn on who will wear the No6 jersey.
Bellamy declined to reveal his preferred halfback, although Newcastle utility Kurt Gidley appears almost certain to make his starting debut for the Blues at ANZ Stadium.
The five-eighth position is more open, with Bellamy tossing up whether to start with Braith Anasta or Greg Bird.
"Five-eighth is a bit more difficult," Bellamy said on ABC Radio yesterday.
"I'm still sitting on the fence there to be quite honest. But as far as halfback goes I've got in my head who I think will do the best job in the way we want to play the game."
The Broncos star has adorned thousands of posters promoting the Test between Australia and New Zealand in recent weeks but sadly that is the only time he will wear the historic blue and maroon-striped jumper.
Lockyer's State of Origin campaign is also under a cloud.
Cameron Smith (Melbourne) will again captain Australia in Lockyer's absence.
The 31-year-old limped around ANZ Stadium on Saturday night in the Broncos' win against Wests Tigers with his right knee heavily strapped.
As the team and staff arrived to go into camp in Sydney last night, their worst fears were confirmed.
"I would have loved to have been a part of the game. But with my knee I wouldn't have been able to put any preparation in with the team and I think in a rep team that's important ... with the new combinations," Lockyer said.
'Going into the game not knowing if it would hold up, to be honest I would have been more of a liability.
"It's such a big game and I would not be 100 per cent and it's not worth the risk."
Lockyer flew home to Brisbane last night to arrange an arthroscopy to find out the extent of damage.
The Queensland captain admitted his Origin campaign was also in doubt, given the first game is on May 21.
"My Origin is definitely doubtful. Then again, I want to move on this as quickly as I can," he said.
"I'm confident that once I get back to that 100 per cent fitness level, that long-term everything will be OK."
Swelling and soreness on the knee have hindered Lockyer in the opening rounds of 2008 after a knee reconstruction last July.
When he came through 80 minutes against Souths at Suncorp Stadium 10 days ago the Test selectors had no hesitation in naming him despite missing three club games due to his knee.
Australia coach Ricky Stuart said the loss would hit the team hard.
"It's a massive blow but more importantly it's the best decision for Darren Lockyer as it's very early in the season. He's put the team first, but that's Darren Lockyer all over," Stuart said.
"It's disappointing for us because we've lost one of the best players in the game today."
The other injury worry for Stuart is Justin Hodges (shoulder), who wanted to be rested from the first few days of training to ensure his fitness. Stuart said he would comply with his centre's request.
"I will. I'll talk to Justin first when he gets in (camp) and he'll give me a read on that," Stuart said.
"I'm sure he would have told me by now if he wasn't confident of playing."
Stuart had already named an 18th man for the Test in Titans second-rower Anthony Laffranchi but will need another back if Hodges is ruled out later in the week.
Warriors centre Brent Tate is the man most likely to step in should Hodges lose his fitness battle.
Greg Bird will move from lock to five-eighth in place of Lockyer while Michael Crocker comes into the squad of 17. Laffranchi remains as 18th man.
Bird's Cronulla team-mate Paul Gallen, who was originally named in the second row, should slip back to lock where he plays each week for the Sharks. But Stuart said he would decide on the backrow in the next few days.
* NSW coach Craig Bellamy has already made up his mind who will play halfback for the Blues against Queensland on May 21 but he's torn on who will wear the No6 jersey.
Bellamy declined to reveal his preferred halfback, although Newcastle utility Kurt Gidley appears almost certain to make his starting debut for the Blues at ANZ Stadium.
The five-eighth position is more open, with Bellamy tossing up whether to start with Braith Anasta or Greg Bird.
"Five-eighth is a bit more difficult," Bellamy said on ABC Radio yesterday.
"I'm still sitting on the fence there to be quite honest. But as far as halfback goes I've got in my head who I think will do the best job in the way we want to play the game."
I don't even think he's played lock for us so far this season!
