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The Roar

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Thanks for the memories Mini

Anthony Minichiello plays a record-equalling 301st game this weekend. (AAP Image/Action Photographics, Renee McKay)
Roar Rookie
4th August, 2014
19

One of the first NRL games I remember watching was the 2002 grand final. Many old hands were on stage to help the Roosters clinch their drought-breaking premiership, such as Luke Phillips, Luke Richardson and Brad Fittler.

Many young up-and-coming players were also apart of that great team, including a short-haired sharp-nosed winger by the name of Anthony Minichiello.

His speed and side-stepping were his key assets, and on the big stage ‘Mini’ delivered, ensuring the Roosters banished their demons of 2000.

Like many children my age, ‘Mini’ went on to become our idol. The shift to fullback at the start of the 2003 season was when the league world really sat up and took notice of this Italian dynamo.

And so began a glorious era for the Roosters and Minichiello, who claimed NSW rep honours that year and his first Australian jersey at just 22 years of age.

Yet despite all the glory, one of the most inspiring stories of Mini’s career was his fight to get back on the field after countless injuries.

Many players who suffer back injuries struggle to return to the field, due to the crippling nature of the injury and the heavy rehab needed to return to 100 per cent fitness. Yet against the odds, Mini kept coming back, twice injuring his back and twice getting back on the field.

After five years of a stop-start rut, Mini had returned.

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It was on the back of Mini being injury-free and a Roosters clean out that saw the side complete a dream run to the 2010 finals, eventually falling short of completing the near-impossible wooden spooners to premiers run.

Yet with the Roosters performing poorly during the start of the 2011 season, the now-aging fullback faced questions of retirement with many punters questioning whether he had the speed and attacking flair to continue at fullback.

Once again though, Mini’s resilience shone through.

A standout performance during Game 2 of the 2011 State of Origin series brought back memories of Mini’s golden-era of the past. Mini’s match-winning try brought down the house at ANZ and the doubters were hushed.

His ascent to the captaincy at the start of 2013 was a worthy reward for years of determination and leadership. On the back of Trent Robinson’s signing, Mini’s leadership skills were even more important given the rookie coach’s status.

With Mini as captain, and with a host of league superstars joining the club, the Roosters powered to the J.J Giltinan Shield and claimed the premiership as well.

The announcement of Mini’s retirement has shocked many, yet his stats and records are even more amazing given his injuries and the long-proud history of a Roosters club filled with many legends.

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His resilience and maturity are some of his greatest attributes, always staying out of trouble and becoming one of the most loved sons of the NRL.

Here is a quick list of Mini’s achievements.

• 294 appearances
• 132 tries (most for club)
• 11 NSW appearances
• 18 Tests for Australia
• Captain of Italy at the 2013 World Cup
• Golden Boot Winner (2005)
• Wally Lewis Medal (2005)
• Dally M fullback of the year (2004)
• Two Harry Sunderland medals (award given to the best Australian player in a Test series)
• Second most-capped Roosters player (likely to break Luke Ricketson’s record of 301 games this year)

Thanks for 15 years of memories Mini. We salute you!

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