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Craig Fitzgibbon has again played himself into a Kangaroos jersey, despite talk about his so-called retirement. He finds himself representing Australia at the World Cup after returning to the form that made him the most consistent forward in the NRL four years ago.
It seems Fitzgibbon does not age in a competition dominated by forwards with speed and second rowers with versatility.
Fitzgibbon remains old-fashioned the way he plays rugby league and his consistency on the park has yielded big dividends.
Last year, he was an unwanted man, plagued by a form lapse that spread throughout Bondi Junction. But it was during Chris Anderson’s reign at the Roosters that Fitzgibbon experienced the true lows of his career.
Not that this convinced him to give up the game he loves.
When Brad Fittler was announced head coach of the Roosters, most believed this was the turning point for the Sydney club.
Fitzgibbon, on the other hand, just knew the man he won a grand final with would be a success. The aura surrounding their friendship and communication would allow Fitzgibbon to overcome the disappointments of 2007 and come back with force in league’s centenary year.
And what a comeback it’s been.
The Roosters captain has been at the forefront of a Roosters revival that led the club to a top four finish in Fittler’s first full season in charge of the club.
Although Fitzgibbon thinks he was fortunate to receive another opportunity with the Kangaroos, deep down he knows the selectors have faith in him.
Rarely has Fitzgibbon ever let his individual needs get the better of his team, thus emphasising why he is one of the most respected figures in the NRL.
So when one needs to discover why Australia is so dominant in league, players like Fitzgibbon give us simple answers: they just don’t give up.