Brisbane's attempt to re-sign Darren Lockyer may have hit its first snag with the Australian Rugby Union interested in talking to the classy Queenslander.

The Broncos, wary of potential suitors for the Australian rugby league captain, opened talks with Lockyer's manager George Mimis earlier this week.

Brisbane is intent on re-signing Lockyer before the NRL's June 30 anti-tampering deadline.

However, its greatest threat may come from the rival code, which has swooped on two of the Broncos' biggest stars in recent seasons - Wendell Sailor and Lote Tuqiri.

It's understood the ARU have already sounded out Mimis with a view to making a bid for the 27-year-old.

"We're always interested in good players," Australian rugby union coach Eddie Jones said.

"If he's available and he's on the market then certainly we would take that into consideration."

However, Brisbane boss Bruno Cullen remains confident the Broncos will retain Lockyer, who has played 203 games for the club since making his first grade debut nine years ago.

"They were fruitful discussions. I was very happy with them," Cullen said of his talks with Mimis.

"I'm going to get back to him in a couple of weeks. I am not expecting any dramas on the horizon and I don't think I am missing anything."

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