Australian captain Darren Lockyer says this year's Four Nations won't be his swansong from international rugby league, and revealed he's confident of another Brisbane Broncos premiership before he retires.

Lockyer has played 51 Test matches in his 13-year international career, but still feels capable of handling the extra load of representative football.

Some mid-week wrestling work has him convinced he's recovered from a painful rib injury and Lockyer said he'll re-evaluate his Kangaroos future next year.

While some veterans opt to retire from rep football to add a couple of years to their first grade careers, Lockyer is determined to play for club, state and country as long as he's physically able.

The prospect of a fifth premiership with the Broncos is also keeping the 33-year-old going.

"I've got a job to do here now and I'll evaluate things at the start of next year," Lockyer said ahead of Sunday's tournament opener against Papua New Guinea.

"At this stage I'm keen to play again next year but after that we'll just have to wait and see.

"If the injury had have been from wear and tear or a soft tissue injury maybe (rep retirement would have been an option), but it was just one of those things I couldn't really prevent.

"I found this year I was able to cope with the rep football as well as club. I think the Broncos in the next couple of years are a real chance of going close to a title so I really want to play my part and give that the best shot."

Lockyer said he feels refreshed after his enforced lay-off from rib damage, but denied the injury scare has made him feel any more sentimental about his green and gold jersey.

"I always appreciate every game I play for Australia," he said.

"Like anything, the day I do decide to hang the boots up, that's when it'll really sink in what these games mean. Right now, I'm just focusing on the job I've got to do, it's an honour to play for Australia and you just want to do wellwhile you're here.

"My ribs are fine. Mentally it's been a good little rest. Physically I've been in pretty decent shape other than the ribs, but mentally it's been good.

"I did a bit of wrestling with the boys, and it was only wrestling Cooper Cronk ... so I think it'll be a lot more physical on Sunday, these guys play pretty tough."

Australia are widely expected to put a big score on PNG, who are made up largely of local talent.

And while Lockyer is of course expecting a Kangaroos victory, he warned that his side are likely to be a little off the pace.

In last year's Four Nations opener against New Zealand, the Australians battled to a 20-20 draw, and Lockyer is expecting plenty of cobwebs on Sunday.

"I predict it'll be similar this time around," he said.

"This year the draw for us is building up to the business end of the tournament. Last year we were a bit rusty and I think we'll be a bit rusty again on Sunday. It's pretty hard to nail it first go."

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP