A relaxed Darren Lockyer was open to speculation he could return to the position where he first launched his playing career with Brisbane Broncos.

Lockyer was slightly bemused on his return to Brisbane on Tuesday from a European holiday to read newspaper reports quoting Brisbane coach Ivan Henjak, who this week floated the idea of playing the champion five-eighth at fullback at times this season.

Lockyer was the game's best fullback before Wayne Bennett moved him to five-eighth in 2005.

With former Parramatta half Tim Smith training with Brisbane and Greg Bird also on the open market, Henjak suggested on Monday Lockyer and fellow international Justin Hodges could find themselves playing some fullback next season.

"With Karmichael's departure (Karmichael Hunt), there's a bit of a void at fullback," Lockyer told the Seven Network on his return home.

"I'm sure Ivan will sit down during the off-season and work out what the best team is."

While Henjak is doing that, Lockyer is expected to sign a new two-year deal with Brisbane and possibly decide whether to hang up his representative boots after setting a string of records during the recent Four Nations in which he led Australia to victory in the final.

"I've been away in Europe for a few weeks and had a bit of time to reflect," he said.

"I'm keen to get back to training and put in a good off-season."

Lockyer and fellow Kangaroos Hodges and Sam Thaiday are scheduled to resume training in early January.

There's a line of thinking Lockyer may play the annual Test against New Zealand in April and then reassess whether to extend his State of Origin career - which includes last year's history making fourth straight series' win - into a 13th year or retire from representative football on a high as Australia's most capped player and longest-serving captain.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP