Brisbane director Darren Lockyer is hopeful Matt Gillett is not contemplating NRL retirement, saying the veteran backrower will be in the captaincy mix once fully fit.
Lockyer would not confirm a News Ltd report on Wednesday that the Broncos were bracing for Gillett to end his 10-season career due to niggling injuries.
Gillett, 31, this year successfully returned from a broken neck to regain Queensland selection but finished the season troubled by a lingering shoulder complaint.
Lockyer said the Broncos would know more about Gillett’s plight when he returns for pre-season training on Friday.
“There is no confirmation around that (retirement),” Lockyer said.
“He is on a break at the moment and at this stage we’re hopeful that (retirement) is not the case.
“But we will know more in the coming weeks.”
The former Broncos skipper said Gillett, who is contracted with the club until the end of 2022, was still speaking with medical staff about his future.
Asked if Gillett’s retirement would be a big loss, Lockyer said: “No doubt. The guy has had a great career with us and is a great bloke.
“Of late, his body hasn’t withstood the pressures of playing NRL, Origin and for his country.
“But Gillo is still out there with some decisions to make but at this stage (retirement) can’t be confirmed. As far as I know he is still talking to the doctors now about what his future looks like.”
While remaining untroubled by his neck, Gillett missed the 2019 State of Origin decider with a knee complaint and suffered a back injury before picking up his shoulder niggle at the end of the season.
He battled on to play his 200th NRL game – Brisbane’s disastrous 58-0 elimination final loss to Parramatta.
If able to return at full fitness, Lockyer says the veteran would be in the Broncos captaincy mix.
Darius Boyd’s future as skipper is up in the air with coach Anthony Seibold to pick a new-look leadership group based on pre-season performance following their embarrassing NRL finals exit.
“If Gillo is available, he would (be in the captaincy mix),” Lockyer said.
“He has played for his country and his state. He has a great attitude and he has the qualities to be a leader.”
