Darren Lockyer Ready for Rugby ‘Immortalisation’

Darren Lockyer walks the lap of honour at the ARL State of Origin Series, between the New South Wales Blues and the Queensland Maroons at Suncorp Stadium on June 16, 2010 in Brisbane (Matt King/Getty Images)

Darren Lockyer’s last international test match in Sydney became his most memorable as he broke Ken Irvine’s 42-year-old record in the number of tries scored, scoring his 34th international test try, and propelling himself into the history books.

The Kangaroos captain was pushed by Papua New Guinea’s team, the Kumuls, in the 42-0 win as Kumuls centre Menzie Yere tested Lockyer’s rib cage injury, which had prematurely ended Lockyer’s season with the Brisbane Broncos.

“It’s always a pleasure and privilege playing for Australia,” Lockyer said, according to The Daily Telegraph. “You never take it for granted. To break a record like this is pretty special.

“I have had some great memories playing for Australia,” he added. “To chalk up a record like this is something I will always be proud of.”

The 34-year-old champion could now be classed alongside the greats, including Ken Irvine, Graeme Langlands, Bob Fulton, Reg Gasnier, Brad Fittler and Mal Meninga.

 Aussie coach Tim Sheen is hesitant on calling Lockyer a Rugby league immortal, but states that he isn’t far away from the status.

 Lockyer, however, will be remembered as one of the greats of all levels of Rugby league.