The plan from the outset was to win, and the Brisbane Broncos did just that, as they dug deep to defeat the South Sydney Rabbitohs 26-12 in Petero Civoniceva’s 300th career NRL game.
In what was the 165th win of Petero’s career, Petero took the field in a jumper that was awarded to win by the NRL’s leader in most games played, and former team-mate, Darren Lockyer.
In a feat generally left for final games, Petero was called upon to convert the try at the end of the game to Ben Te’o, but he could not convert it successfully.
With the game an entertaining affair, it was the Broncos who had to dig deep to secure the win, with the Broncos Origin stars performing strongly, as too the Broncos own Origin stars.
Corey Parker, who only nine days ago suffered that nasty leg gash courtesy of a self-inflicted wound – recorded 133m and a whopping 53 tackles, in a superhuman like effort.
Although Civoniceva was pleased with his team-mates for the win in his 300th game, he believes that the club still has a lot to improve on.
“I’m grateful to the boys for tonight, it’s all nice,” he said, standing with wife Bonnie and their three children after being presented with the match ball by Lockyer.
On his attempted conversion, Petero said his mind was immediately cast back to Locky’s miss from right in front in his final match for Australia.
“I instantly thought of Locky,” he said.
“I had visions of slipping over on my backside so I said to Pete (halfback Peter Wallace) ‘let’s get this done and get out of here’.”