Lockyer says he has no regrets about missing semi final loss to Manly

BRONCOS skipper Darren Lockyer says he has no regrets as the retiring champion begins preparing for life after rugby league.

Lockyer chopper

BRONCOS skipper Darren Lockyer says he has no regrets as the retiring champion today began preparing for life after rugby league.

Lockyer's glittering 17-season career at the Broncos officially came to end on Friday night after Manly qualified for this year's NRL grand final with a 26-14 defeat of Brisbane at the SFS.

It was a sombre finale for Lockyer, who was forced to watch the action from the sidelines after fracturing his cheekbone in Brisbane's 13-12 extra-time defeat of the Dragons the previous week.

The 34-year-old returned to Brisbane this afternoon on his much-publicised helicopter flight and says he is ready for the next phase of his life.

"I'm content with everything," he said.

"I was sitting in the chopper and it gave me some time to think about things and what I've achieved.

"I was preparing for the end. I knew it was going to come sooner rather than later.

"As the end came, I wasn't thinking too much about myself, I was thinking about the boys and the effort they put in.

"I was really humbled by their efforts last night."

Lockyer said he was looking forward to spending time with his family and wife Loren, who is due to give birth to the couple's second child on Australia Day.

But the Queensland skipper's football career isn't quite over - Lockyer will lead Australia's Four Nations campaign on his swansong tour of the UK starting next month.

"I'm looking forward to the next chapter in my life, that's what makes it easier for me to accept it's all over," he said.

"There's family and there's other things in my life I want to enjoy."