Looking for a reason to get up very early in the morning to watch the Kangaroos take on Fiji? You only need one – the very last game of Petero Civoniceva.
Legend is a term that gets thrown about a fair bit in rugby league. But Petero is a legitimate legend.
309 NRL games. 33 matches for Queensland. 45 Tests for Australia and now five games for Fiji.
It’s not just longevity that makes this gentle giant a great.
Petero has been a pillar of integrity and strength. A standout not just for his toughness, playing ability or his success on the field, but also for his actions off it.
Like when he battled racist chants when he played for Penrith, or the dignity he displayed when he was forced to leave his beloved Broncos.
How about his decision to play a final season with his junior club in Birsbane, Redcliffe, giving back to them in his twilight years, or playing on to help out Fiji?
Born in Suva but raised in Queensland, Petero is both a proud Australian and Fijian. He has represented both countries with distinction, as well as his home state.
Anyone who plays Origin is part of a special club. Anyone who wins a series or plays more than a handful of games is very lucky. But to played 33 of them, and been part of perhaps the greatest side to have ever graced Origin football, that takes some doing.
Kangaroos coach Tim Sheens is effusive is his praise of the ageless front-rower.
Sheens has both coached him and against him, and told me Petero is “one of the all-time greats”.
“To survive as long as he has, 40-plus Tests, is not easy I can tell you.
“Anyone who plays the game for 10 years or more at NRL level has had a great career let alone up front.
“He certainly took it to us in the game at St Helens, and I’m sure he’s pretty fired up to lead the charge.
“All credit to him. Fantastic career.”
Battling back from a series of broken arms, being a dominant player in the middle of park, being a leader at two NRL clubs – this takes some courage.
The man with the distinctive surname, and the awesome nicknames of ‘Second Receiver’ and ‘Petrol 70 Cents a Litre’, has certainly been fun to watch.
His enthusiasm and love for the game has been apparent at this World Cup. Petero has been quick with a joke or smile at tournaments press conferences, enjoying the fleeting final minutes of such a special career.
Few players are lucky enough to go out in this manner and Petero knows it.
Australia versus Fiji might not be much of a contest at Wembley on Sunday morning. The Kangaroos should win by 16 points or more.
But if you’re a Broncos fan or Panthers supporter, you should tune in. If you’re a Queenslander you shouldn’t miss it.
If you’re Australian or Fijian, hell just a rugby league fan in general, this is your last chance to see the final 80 minutes of a real footy legend. The final spell of a real great.
Don’t miss it.
Follow John Davidson on Twitter @johnnyddavidson
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