incredible season saw him earn Dally M Fullback Of The Year honours for the first time. Lockyer made his official State of Origin debut, playing all 3 games in Queensland's series victory. And despite his shocking debut, Lockyer was retained in the Australian squad for their 2 end of season tests against New Zealand, scoring a try in both of Australia's victories. 1999 Lockyer's goal-kicking duties at the Broncos were shifted to teammates Ben Walker and Michael De Vere in 1999. Lockyer was not selected in the first 2 Origin matches, but returned for the 3rd ahead of Robbie O'Davis, whose 22 game suspension the previous season was why Lockyer had been selected. Lockyer scored his first Origin try to help Queensland to a 10-all draw, which was enough for the Maroons to retain the shield. Those first 2 games were the last time where he was overlooked for Queensland, excluding games missed due to injury. Lockyer featured in all 4 of Australia's matches in 1999, and was even sin-binned in the Kangaroos' win against the Kiwis in the final of the post-season 1999 Tri-nations tournament, having scored 2 tries to help them qualify for the match with a big win over Great Britain. Despite Lockyer's individual performance, the year went terribly for the Broncos- the club was only able to salvage 1 win and a draw from their first 10 matches, a situation which worsened when club legend Allan Langer retired midseason. Brisbane sat 17th after 10 games, but 12 wins and a draw from their last 14 matches saw them scrape into the finals, a single point ahead of 9th placed Canberra. Brisbane were drawn the tough task of minor premiers Cronulla in the first week of the finals, and the Sharks gained revenge for 1997 with a 42-20 win to end the Broncos season. 2000 Lockyer played at fullback in all three matches of the 2000 State of Origin series in which Queensland suffered a 3-0 series whitewash by New South Wales. At club level, the Broncos had returned to the top of the NRL thanks to Bennett's new gameplan, and Brisbane ran away with the minor premiership, winning 2 more games on top of 2 more draws than the 2nd placed Roosters, again having the best attack and best defence in the league. Brisbane reversed a 20-6 half time deficit to gain revenge on the Sharks