QUEENSLAND great Darren Lockyer will aim to steal a line off 'the King' in his State of Origin farewell tonight.A packed Suncorp Stadium, in Brisbane, is set to send off one of the Maroons' greatest servants, while NSW is out to play party poopers as they seek to capture a first series since 2005.
The home side is heavily favoured to win on its home turf, but Suncorp Stadium hasn't been a happy hunting ground when it comes to Origin deciders.
Queensland haven't won a decider at 'The Cauldron'' since 1991, the game which proved to be Wally Lewis Origin farewell.
Since then there have been three deciders at spiritual home of Queensland rugby league, with NSW winning two of them and the other in 1999 ending in a draw.
Lockyer will be out to ensure a winning send-off in his 36th game.
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NSW coach Ricky Stuart hopes to spoil the party, even if he says Lockyer deserves a triumphant farewell.
"He deserves a big send-off. That's the sort of person you stand and applaud in regards to what he has done for the game,'' Stuart said.
Stuart has done his best throughout the build-up to the pivotal clash to remove the 'Lockyer factor' from his players' thoughts.
This Blues camp has been about his side, with the team locked away from the prying eyes of the media and general public to ensure his players retain their focus.
From naming a 20-man squad to failing to reveal the make-up of his final 17 to a secret training session on match eve, Stuart has gone to great lengths to shield his squad.
And all while attempting to convince them there is no pressure on them heading into tonight's blockbuster.
"We're not expected to win this and there's no pressure on us about winning,'' Stuart said.
"We just need to play a good game of football to try and be in the competition.
"They've got the best players in the world which is why they should win the match.''
Source http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/sport/queenslands-darren-lockyer-targets-triumphant-state-of-origin-finale/story-e6frg7mf-1226089028435
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