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.
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.
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!
Mac
Guest
"Luke Richardson" haha
Terry
Roar Rookie
Sportspeople come and go. Most leave zero legacy but meaningless statistics and photos forgotten faster than an Australian Idol quarter-finalist. But Mr. Anthony Minichiello is unique. Like you, Eeryone from the Eastern Suburbs has a Mini-story to tell, from helping old ladies cross a busy road to giving away SOO jerseys to kids after impromptu games of park touch. However, to have him appear at my dying mother's final birthday, to hear his gentle conversation while she basked in the presence of her all-time favourite player, took interpretations of personal integrity and good grace to a new level. Through her pain and suffering, this man gifted her some little joy and laughter. Today at our family table, Anthony's name is mentioned in nothing but revered tones. Put simply, his gesture will live forever in our shared history. A remarkable career aside, Anthony Minichiello will be remembered in our community for his place amongst all of us, as one of all of us. A true local hero.
MAX
Guest
Anthony has always been 'Mr Productivity' and has the record to prove it. His brother has the same attitude. Priceless genes.
Cathar Treize
Guest
Mini has been an arch nemesis of my club. Hated him many a time but can't begrudge him being a great stalwart of the Roosters & rugby league.
trevor barker
Guest
While we are revisiting history what about that airport mobile phone bust revealing possible illegal doping by three team mates. please explain?
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
Summarising Mini.An ornament to the game, a son to make any mother proud ,and a devoted family man.Can't ask for more. Suffered injuries that many would have given up,remained committed and played to his capacity week in week out. Never heard a bad word said about him.Trust he can find a career within the game,he has earned it.
Charles NSW
Guest
There were people like Scott Woodward bagging him as being too old when he last played for NSW. Even this year he would have given an honest performance as he always does!
Charles NSW
Guest
When you have people like Scott Woodward bagging him as being too old!
mushi
Guest
Come on who hasn't wanted to run out and collect Dugan around the head.... It's like penalising someone for punching Greg Bird or saying something nasty to Jamie Soward.
Sammy
Guest
He should have played alot more games for NSW - potentially 9 series from 2003 to 2011, and he would certainly have made a difference. He missed the 2006 / 2007 series through injury, but from 2008-2010 he was over-looked in favour of Kurt Gidley.
Eden
Guest
I hope he can break Ricketson's record (as that means we will likely be in the GF)! A true great for the club and a role model in the game. hopefully he stays with the club in some capacity post retirement
Avatar
Roar Guru
Mini will be missed. His determination to play on even after he suffered all those injuries between 2006 and 2009 must be commended, that's what never giving up means. A role model of the game without a doubt, though the only blip of his career was the State of Origin controversy in 2004 when he was dropped for the first game following the mobile phone incident which also involved Mark Gasnier. It will be sad to see him leave as the last remaining original Rooster from their 2002 premiership side (not including Justin Hodges who's still going around with the Broncos).
trevor Barker
Guest
Yeah, you must be referring to the incident in 2012 ... ..."Anthony Minichiello found not guilty at NRL judiciary. Minichiello was sent off for the first time in his illustrious 13-year career on Saturday night when he leapt high off the ground twice and collected Dugan in the head the second time. Dugan required stitches to a head cut. But with the chance to bring up his 250th game on Sunday against the Wests Tigers, Minichiello risked a three-week ban to fight the striking charge. And judiciary panel members Don McKinnon, Mal Cochrane and Michael Buettner took 20 minutes to free former international Minichiello after he argued the tackle was "careless and clumsy, but not reckless". Source: CHRISTIAN NICOLUSSI THE DAILY TELEGRAPH AUGUST 23, 2012 12:00AM http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/nrl/anthony-minichiello-found-not-guilty-at-nrl-judiciary/story-e6frfgbo-1226456084879
Haberfield Tiger
Guest
Great player. Biggest sidestep avoiding suspension couple years back. please explain?
mushi
Guest
I think it's a typo - does beg the question what is the editorial process that leads to submissions being delayed?
Charles NSW
Guest
One of the greats who always gave his best!
chook-a-doodle-do
Guest
I just reread my above comment, and it seems harsh,it's not meant to be,I should have put a smiley face emoticon at the end!!Sorry Harry!!!:)
chook-a-doodle-do
Guest
@ Harry Easton. Who the hell is Luke Richardson? Mate,if you're going to write,do some research first.
New York Hawk
Guest
Absolute legend of the game. And I am not a Roosters supporter. Such a great player who always gave his all. Just like that other Roosters great mentioned in the article, Luke "Richardson"....