Lockyer could face eyesight damage

Brisbane coach Anthony Griffin has admitted that Darren Lockyer risks further injury if he plays in Friday’s preliminary final.

Griffin confirmed that Lockyer could do damage to his eyesight in the long term if he plays just six days after suffering a fracturerd cheekbone.

“There’s a minimal risk that if he gets hit on the spot again there could be some muscle damage to his eye, which would affect his sight. But that could be fixed with surgery,” Griffin told Triple M’s Rush Hour show.

Despite this, Griffin did state that Lockyer’s condition had improved rapidly since having three places inserted into his face on Sunday morning.

“He looks a lot better. He feels a lot better. The surgeon has been absolutely brilliant. The procedure couldn’t have gone any better.”

Should Lockyer be ruled out of Friday’s match, Matt Gillett will take his position on the side. Griffin stated “We’ve made a decision this morning. Matt Gillett will play five-eighth if Lockyer doesn’t play. Matt’s played a lot of his junior footy and played Queensland Cup at five-eighth. He’s only got to move over one more spot (in defence).”

A decision is expected to be made on Lockyer in the next 48 hours.