Darren Lockyer could be forced to sign a waiver preventing him from taking legal action should the Brisbane skipper suffer complications as a result of playing on Friday night.

Lockyer is desperate to play in the Broncos' NRL preliminary final against Manly at the Sydney Football Stadium, less than a week after undergoing facial surgery to repair a smashed cheekbone.

He has been warned by a range of medical experts that he risks losing his vision should he receive another knock to the same area, a risk Lockyer at this stage appears willing to take.

But leading sports physician Dr Peter Larkins - a former president of Sports Medicine Australia - said those involved in advising Lockyer of the risks may seek to protect themselves from being sued.

"It's a rarity that doctors would get overruled by a player, but if they choose to take that path, then the doctor, the club and the league for that matter, would normally get the player to sign a legal waiver," Dr Larkins said.

"It would absolve the league, the club, the player's doctor, the surgeon of any litigation should the player deteriorate.

"So that player says `I'll take the risk - I've heard you tell me that it could get worse, I've heard you tell me I could lose my eye - I'm not going to sue you if it happens'.

"Normally they wouldn't overrule a doctor ... but when a guy's got a fracture and he's willing to play knowing the fracture can move - then they normally sign a waiver."

Dr Larkins said he expected Lockyer to play despite the risks, but recommended the retiring star wear a boxing-style headgear.

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