Lockyer choppered in for Broncos

Brisbane have taken the unprecedented step of chartering a commercial helicopter to ensure Darren Lockyer can take his place against Manly on Friday.

Lockyer, who is currently nursing a damaged cheekbone, was unable to join his team-mates for the flight to Sydney due to the risk of complications from air pressure.

But the Broncos pulled out all the stops to ensure Lockyer can the field at the Sydney Football Stadium by transporting him by helicopter.

Lockyer has been named at five-eighth for the preliminary final with the Sea Eagles despite only undergoing surgery on the injury on Sunday.

He will make a final decision later this week.

Lockyer suffered the injury after collecting a stray knee from team mate Gerard Beale during the Broncos’ 13-12 qualifying final victory over St George the previous day.

Despite being in obvious pain, Lockyer still managed to pull off a match-winning drop goal.