with a 32-20 win, which saw them sent to a Preliminary final showdown against Parramatta, which they won 16-10. Brisbane met the Roosters in the Grand Final, where Lockyer won the Clive Churchill Medal as man of the match in their 14-6 victory. Lockyer, having featured in Australia's 2-0 win over New Zealand and 82-0 battering of Papua New Guinea, Lockyer was selected in Australia's 2000 World Cup squad, playing 5 games including the 40-12 win over New Zealand in the Final. By this time Lockyer was being called the best fullback in the world. Also in 2000 he received the Australian Sports Medal for his contribution to Australia's international standing in the sport of rugby league 2001 Having won the 2000 NRL Premiership, the Broncos traveled to England to play against 2000's Super League V champions, St Helens R.F.C., for the 2001 World Club Challenge, with Lockyer playing at in Brisbane's loss. In March 2001, Lockyer was approached by the Australian Football League club Essendon regarding an unprecedented switch of codes, and was offered a contract subsequent to a successful trial. However Lockyer chose to stay committed to rugby league. Later in 2001, following Queensland captain Gorden Tallis' season-ending neck injury before the second game of the 2001 State of Origin series, the Maroons' captaincy was handed to Lockyer. In the third and deciding game of the series, Lockyer was named man-of-the-match, having scored two tries and kicked four goals to help Queensland to victory. Lockyer's heroic game 3 performance, however, has been overshadowed by the return to State of Origin from Queensland legend Langer after an SOS from coach Bennett. Despite the lack of media coverage, Lockyer was still awarded the Ron McAuliffe Medal as Queensland player of the series. Brisbane started off the 2001 season in the same form they ended 2000, and sat 2nd on the ladder after 19 rounds. But a late season collapse, losing 6 straight to limp into the finals in 5th position. Lockyer was one of Brisbane's best, even during the losing streak, but couldn't prevent a 22-6 loss to Cronulla in the qualifying final. They bounced back against the St George Illawarra Dragons to the tune of 44-28, a game which set the record for highest scoring match in NRL Finals history, before their season came to an end with a 24-16 loss to the minor premiers Parramatta. Lockyer walked away