The Broncos captain Darren Lockyer has always seemed super human, and now he will attempt to prove it by leading Brisbane into Friday night's National Rugby League preliminarily final against Manly just five days after having three titanium plates surgically inserted into his face.
Lockyer underwent surgery at Brisbane's Wesley Private hospital on Sunday morning after collecting a stray knee from teammate Gerard Beale in Saturday's 13-12 golden point NRL semi-final win over St George Illawarra.
With a reputation as one of the toughest players in the game, the Broncos are adamant the retiring Lockyer is still a chance to face the Sea Eagles, who would be certain to target him if he does take the field.
Operating surgeon Dr John Arvier, who was assisted by orthopaedic specialist Dr Peter Meyers, told coach Anthony Griffin Lockyer's cheekbone was "solid" after three plates were implanted to stabilise the damaged area.
Lockyer's recovery over the next 48 hours will be critical to his chances of playing against Manly.
Griffin says early indications were Lockyer's cheek structure was "very stable" and, if he played on Friday, the risk of further injury would be minimal.
The issue facing Lockyer is whether the swelling subsides and he can endure the pain well enough to play.
Lockyer could play in a gladiator-style facial helmet to help protect the cheek area and Griffin says the talismatic skipper is a 50-50 chance to take the field in Sydney adding he will leave the decision to play entirely up to his star five eight.
