AUSTRALIAN captain Darren Lockyer has paid tribute to Brisbane Broncos teammate Michael De Vere following his decision to join the Giants.
De Vere and Lockyer are two of the longest-serving players at the Broncos.
The 27-year-old's departure also means he will be sacrificing his Test career, with the Australian policy of not selecting a player if they don't play in the domestic competition.
And Lockyer admits De Vere will be a big loss to both his club and country.
"Michael is such an amazing competitor, he just never gives up," said Lockyer.
"He more than anyone typifies the Broncos of the last 10 years by the way he carries himself around the club. He's one of those guys everyone wants to have in their team every week."
