NRL: Lockyer to consult Bennett about rep future

Darren Lockyer is considering retiring from representative football. Photo / Getty Images

BRISBANE - Darren Lockyer will turn to the man who knows him best to help him decide if he should continue playing representative football.

While Lockyer has signed a new two-year deal with Brisbane until 2012 he is still to decide if he will extend his representative career beyond 30 State of Origin and 50 test appearances.

And the NRL All Stars camp on the Gold Coast will give him the opportunity to ask for the opinion of former coach Wayne Bennett about sticking with representative football despite being 33 and having his first child on the way.

Bennett has been Lockyer's confidante for most of his playing career, the pair sharing in a highly successful coach-captain partnership.

"I'm going into (All Star) camp with Wayne next week so I'll have a good chat with him about that stuff," said Lockyer who anticipates making a decision in a month or so.

"Next week will give me a reminder of what rep footy is all about, it's going to be a big week with a big build-up similar to an Origin.

"It may not have the intensity of an Origin because it's the first game of the season, but I'm sure there'll be plenty of passion from both teams and be played in the right spirit, there won't be anyone going easy, that's for sure."

Lockyer signed a new deal with Brisbane before heading off to lead Australian to victory in last year's Four Nations but remains uncertain how long he can keep playing for the Broncos.

"It's a year to year proposition. I feel good now," he said.

"It's about talking to Ivan (Henjak, Brisbane coach) and seeing what he wants from me and if I feel I'm up to that then I'll be happy to stay here for a little while yet."

- AAP