You are in > manchester.com  > News > Lockyer named rugby league's player of the year

Rugby League

Lockyer named rugby league's player of the year

20/11/2006

Australian rugby league skipper Darren Lockyer has been named the International Rugby League Player of the Year at an awards ceremony in Sydney.

Lockyer, who captained Australia to victory over England this weekend to book a place in the Tri-Nations final, landed the Gillette Golden Boot award for the second time.

The Queensland and Brisbane Broncos captain is only the second player to win the award twice, following in the illustrious footsteps of his predecessor Andrew Johns.

Lockyer won the award, the most prestigious in the sport, for the first time in 2003.

The 29-year-old added this year's individual trophy to the team successes he has had already in 2006, including the State of Origin title and victory in the NRL grand final.

If he can add the Tri-Nations to his awards collection, Lockyer will be among the most successful skippers ever in a single season.

Great Britain captain Jamie Peacock, meanwhile, was named International Forward of the Year at the awards, with New Zealand's Brian McClennan collecting the Coach of the Year gong.


© Adfero Ltd