Lockyer to retire at end of season

(GETTY IMAGES)

Darren Lockyer, arguably the greatest player of his generation, is to retire at the end of this season, but may torment British opposition one more time.

Lockyer, 34, has told the Brisbane Broncos that he is calling it a day. "It will be hard to leave my team-mates at the Broncos, but I know the timing is right," said the Australian Test captain, capped a world record 54 times. He has declared himself available, however, for this year's representative matches, including the Four Nations tournament in England and Wales in the autumn.

Salford will be without their coach, Shaun McRae, for another month. He has been on sick leave for the last four weeks.