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EXCLUSIVE: Andrew Johns, Brad Fittler split on Darren Lockyer's five-eighth greatness

Marc Churches

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Rugby league legends Andrew Johns and Brad Fittler are split on whether or not Brisbane Broncos great Darren Lockyer should be considered a top five five-eighth of all-time.

Lockyer who retired at the end of 2011, famously switched from the fullback position to five-eighth during the 2004 NRL season.

Despite being considered as one of the game's best fullbacks at the time, Lockyer would end up making the successful switch over to the halves, going on to win three Dally M Five-Eighth of the Year awards.

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But a three-time Dally M Fullback of The Year also, Johns declared Lockyer was always a fullback in his eyes, prompting the eighth immortal to leave the Broncos legend off his list.

Darren Lockyer after winning the 2006 NRL grand final. Sydney Morning Herald

"Darren Lockyer, I see as a fullback," Johns told Wide World of Sports' Freddy and The Eighth.

"I think he played his best footy at fullback, most damaging.

"Then he became a game manager at five eighth, but when he was fullback, he was so fast."

However, unlike Johns, Fittler saw it a different way.

Comparing Lockyer to the likes of fellow legendary five-eighths, Cliff Lyons and Brett Kenny, Fittler described all three as "classy" players which gave him no choice but to include the four-time premiership player in his top five.

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"I've got Lockyer in mine," Freddy said.

"Cliff Lyons was unbelievable. Cliff and Brett Kenny were similar, they were a little bit less-strength I suppose. Lockyer was too.

"They were classy, they moved so well."

In no order - Andrew Johns' top five:

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Wally Lewis

Wally Lewis

Wally Lewis Getty

Brett Kenny

Brett Kenny

Brett Kenny NRL

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Brad Fittler

Brad Fittler during the 2002 NRL grand final. Sydney Morning Herald

Laurie Daley

Laurie Daley

Laurie Daley Getty

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Cliff Lyons

Cliff Lyons

Cliff Lyons Getty

In no order - Brad Fittler's top five:

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Brad Fittler

Brad Fittler Getty

Wally Lewis

Brett Kenny

Laurie Daley

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Cliff Lyons

Darren Lockyer

Darren Lockyer scores the winning try in the 2006 Tri-Nations final. Sydney Morning Herald

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