The Nine Network is understood to be prepared to lose the ratings war to win the hearts of country Queenslanders by allowing Darren Lockyer a Sunday send-off in front of his adoring fans at Suncorp Stadium.

Should Brisbane fail to secure a home final, Lockyer's last Suncorp Stadium appearance would be their round 26 NRL blockbuster against Manly at Suncorp Stadium to be played some time over the September 2-4 weekend.

Normally, Nine would show the match on Friday night, a major ratings winner for the network.

But a Friday night game would deny many Broncos fans from outside Brisbane the chance to travel to the match with their families, so Nine is believed to have consented to having it played on the Sunday.

Lockyer, who is believed to have agreed to a lucrative deal to join Nine's rugby league commentary team next year, initially declined to weigh into the debate before hedging his bets.

"There's positives for either day, Friday or Sunday," he said.

"The positive for Sunday is that families can make a day of it and bring their kids.

"I'm not going to get involved because, at the end of the day, the decision is not up to me."

Brisbane however took up the fight for their fans, thousands of whom have already signed a petition delivered to the NRL last month.

Broncos boss Paul White revealed the six-time premiers had been in deep discussions with the NRL and its host broadcaster to back a Sunday afternoon farewell party for their champion player.

"I think everyone understands Darren's contribution to the game and to this club," White said.

"I'm sure everyone would like to see it celebrated on a Sunday afternoon and that's certainly our position."

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