The equation for the Broncos was simple. Win the game, and you make the finals. Lose the game, and you are out of the finals, thus denying Petero Civoniceva a finals swansong.
Fortunately, for Broncos fans and players, the club legend will have the chance to play in one last finals series, as a late surge to push away from the Penrith Panthers, saw the Broncos win 19-12.
In honour of his work for the club as a player, the field was amass with fans – among those fans, were Civoniceva’s parents, his wife Bonnie, as well as his four kids.
“I couldn’t have asked for a more fitting goodbye to Suncorp Stadium, playing for a club I’ve got such a great history with against my old teammates,” said Civoniceva, surrounded by over 5,000 cheering fans.
“I want to thank my parents, my wife Bonnie and the kids and friends and family.
“Thank you supporters who are here tonight, it’s an honour to play in front of you and represent you.”
Although asked if this was the boost the Broncos needed heading into the finals, Broncos coach Anthony Griffin wanted to focus on Petero’s finals swansong.
“We’ll be a chance next week,” he said quickly followed with “it’s a big night for Petero tonight.
“We did what we had to do but it’s important we recognise his achievements.”
The win was hard-fought, however, only a try in the 75th minute securing victory – with Griffin describing his side’s first half as messy.
“We tried to go around them and get things done before we’d earned the right to.
“We clicked a bit in the second half which was nice.”
With finals footy guaranteed, Griffin knows that it is a whole new ball game, and knows his side will be ready.
“We’ll enjoy the moment and we’ll get back into training on Monday and we’ll be ready to go,” Griffin said.
“It’s the start of a new competition now.”
Go Brncos..we can do it
Thanks for the comment, Isi.
Broncos just scrape through, but no finals game is easy, so the Broncos will have to work hard.