Lockyer cleared for opener

Brisbane fans have breathed a sigh of relief after veteran playmaker Darren Lockyer was cleared of serious injury.

The 32-year-old five eighth suffered a bicep injury during the opening stages of the NRL Allstars’ 16-12 defeat against a Indigenous XIII on the Gold Coast.

However further investigations have revealed that Lockyer will be available for the Broncos’ opening round clash against North Queensland

Coach Ivan Henjak told AAP: “There’s a very small tear but nothing too serious.”

“We’re still looking at him playing in the Redcliffe the weekend after next but if it isn’t right, we will just wait until for the game of the season against the Cowboys.”

The news is not so good however for Lockyer’s clubmate Jharal Yow-Yeh who suffered a knee injury which is likely to see him sidelined for a minimum of four weeks.

Meanwhile, Kurt Gidley faces a race to be fit for Newcastle’s round one clash against Canterbury after he suffered a hamstring tear.

South Sydney recruit Sam Burgess has escaped punishment for a dangerous tackle on Scott Prince, as has Benji Marshal for a high tackle on Indigenous centre Beau Champion.