Lockyer back in training, Rogers sprains ankle

Australian rugby league skipper Darren Lockyer has returned to training this morning and declared himself an almost certain starter for the Broncos' World Club Challenge play-off against St Helens.

Last year's international player of the year believes he will be right for the February 23 WCC final against England's Super League champions after undergoing wrist surgery last month. Lockyer and the Broncos fly out of Brisbane in four weeks, desperate to atone for their 2001 loss to the Saints at the same ground when they gave up an 18-4 lead to lose 20-18.

The five-eighth says the Broncos will be at full strength for the clash so long as all seven internationals come through the pre-season with no troubles.

Meanwhile, dual international Mat Rogers has sprained an ankle in his first training session with the Gold Coast Titans.

Rogers sought medical treatment after receiving the injury in his first workout with the new NRL franchise. The injury is not considered too serious.