A bronze statue of Darren Lockyer has been unveiled in the presence of the Brisbane Broncos great, several hundred of his fans and Queensland Premier Anna Bligh.
The statue, which sits outside the front gates on the Northern Plaza of Suncorp Stadium and within a flick pass of a bronze replica of Wally Lewis, was put on public display on Friday.
Lockyer, who played a record 59 Tests for Australia, a record 36 State of Origin games for Queensland and made a record 366 appearances for the Brisbane Broncos, is happy with his alloy look-alike.
“I like the legs and thought the head was pretty good,” Lockyer told fans with a smile.
Ms Bligh says Lockyer’s record at both state and international level speaks for itself and explains why he is revered in the NRL and the sporting world.
“I congratulate him for his on-field success, his off-field humility and believe a permanent tribute is a great way of celebrating his achievements,” Ms Bligh said.
“Darren is one of Rugby League’s greatest ambassadors.”
As well as captaining Queensland to a record six straight Origin series victories, he played in four premierships with the Broncos (one as captain) and won the Golden Boot Award as world’s best player in 2003 and 2006.
The bronze statue was created by sculptor Phillip Piperides.
Lockyer and Lewis’s statues will soon be joined by a bronze replica of the late Arthur Beetson.