Petero Civoniceva learned from some of the best front-rowers in the modern history of the game so it was no surprise that he followed the same path to the top.
Civoniceva was making his way through the Broncos’ ranks when Glenn Lazarus was the leader of the pack in the mid-1990s and then it was Shane Webcke who showed the way with his disciplined approach and dedication to the cause.
It helped too that Wayne Bennett was the helm for so much of Civoniceva’s career, plotting the career trajectory that the affable Fijian-born forward followed to achieve his own place among the game’s greats.
Civoniceva’s strength of body and mind carried him through 15 seasons at the top level and it was a tribute to his durability that he became the first individual to play State of Origin beyond his 36th birthday in 2012.
No forward has appeared in more Origin games than his 33 for Queensland and no Australian forward has played more than his 45 Test matches.
Civoniceva joined the exclusive ranks of players to appear in more than 300 NRL games midway through the 2012 season. He played in two grand finals for the Broncos for two successes and achieved a swag of individual awards and honours during his stellar career.
Fans will be given the chance to become part of history as they are immortalised in an on-field photo with retiring great Petero Civoniceva at the end of the Broncos-Panthers game. Don't miss out, secure your tickets today here.
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Petero Civoniceva Stats:
| Born: | April 21, 1976, Suva, Fiji (age 36) |
| Height: | 193cm |
| Weight: | 109kg |
| Points: | 100 (25 tries) |
| NRL Games: | 307 |
| First Grade Debut: | Brisbane v Norths at ANZ Stadium (Brisbane), 26/4/1998 (Rd 7) |
| Club(s): | Brisbane 1998-2012, Penrith 2008-11 |
| Junior Football: | Redcliffe RU |
| Junior Rep Honours: | Queensland and Australian Under-17s 1993 |
| Australia: | Tests 45 (2001-11), Kangaroo tourist 2001, 2003, Tri-Nations tourist 2004, 2005, World Cup 2008, Four Nations tourist 2009 |
| Queensland: | State of Origins 33 (2001-12) |
| Grand Finals: | 2 – Brisbane 1998 (W), 2006 (W) |
| Other Information: | Represented NRL All Stars 2011; Ron McAuliffe Medal winner 2011 Dally M Prop of the Year 2008; RLPA Players’ Player of the Year 2008 Penrith player of the year 2008 Played in Brisbane’s World Club Challenge loss to St Helens 2007 Paul Morgan Medal winner 2004, 2006, 2007 (Broncos player of the year) Harry Sunderland Medal winner 2006> |
Fast Fact:
Civoniceva missed only three games in 12 consecutive State of Origin series for Queensland.
