Brisbane skipper Darren Lockyer has knocked back a lucrative offer from cashed-up English club Widnes to change his mind on retiring at the end of the season.

Lockyer, who announced last month that this would be his final season before hanging up the boots, said his family situation ruled out a stint in England.

The 34-year-old admitted the thought of a swansong in England had been something he had considered earlier in his career, but that his circumstances had now changed.

Widnes - coached by former Great Britain forward Denis Betts and bankrolled by millionaire chairman Steve O'Connor - are keen to make a big signing after winning promotion to the Super League for next season.

O'Connor made an approach to Lockyer through his manager George Mimis, hoping to entice the veteran playmaker to have a farewell campaign in England before giving the game away.

"I didn't hear anything directly, but George is friends with the Widnes owner," Lockyer said.

"Nothing has changed with my situation.

"Our son (Sunny) is nearly one, we're established in Brisbane and I wouldn't like to travel with a little one."

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