Petero hasn't ruled out Broncos farewell - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Petero hasn't ruled out Broncos farewell

By Wayne Heming 16/10/2009 05:11:05 PM Comments (0)

Ageless warhorse Petero Civoniceva says ending his highly decorated rugby league career back in Brisbane Broncos' colours would be a fairytale finish.

While the 36-Test veteran stressed his first commitment was to Penrith, he didn't rule out a farewell season with the Broncos.

Civoniceva, 33, could return from the upcoming Four Nations tour of Britain and France as Australia's most capped forward ahead of Dragons' great Johnny Raper (39 Tests).

Many still believe Brisbane committed one of its biggest recruitment blunders in letting Civoniceva walk out the door at the end of 2007 because of salary cap issues.

His experience, leadership, stability and influence over young players was sadly missed in 2008 when several players embarrassed the club with their alcohol-fuelled behaviour.

"Obviously my first priority is to sit down with the Panthers and see what they're looking for over the next few years," Civoniceva told AAP when asked about constant rumours linking him to the Broncos in 2011 after serving out the final year of his current contract with Penrith.

"But if there is interest from the Broncos, I'd definitely look at it.

"I'd love the opportunity to come home. My wife and I have settled in really well down here and if I had to see my career out in Penrith, that would be great for us too.

"We'll see what happens in the first few months next year but if there's room (salary cap) for the Broncos to make an offer, I'd definitely have a look at it."

Civoniceva played his first 215 NRL games for Brisbane under Wayne Bennett, winning premierships in 1998 and 2006.

He has a history with the club's current coach Ivan Henjak who took Brisbane to within one game of the grand final this season.

"Ivan's been very influential in my career, he was my first senior coach there," he said.

"I've got so many great experiences with him and I get on really well with him.

"It would be great to link up with Ivan again but we'll have to wait and see."

The fact his latest tour could be his last alongside Darren Lockyer is not lost on Civoniceva who said it would be "very special".

Lockyer is on target to re-write the record books, passing Mal Meninga as Australia's most capped player, which he'll do in his 46th Test in Australia's first game against New Zealand before equalling Churchill's record of 27 Tests as captain.

If he scores two tries during the series, he'll also break former North Sydney flyer Ken Irvine's all-time Test record of 33.

"What can you say about the guy?" Civoniceva said of his former Brisbane captain and long-team Queensland and Australian teammate.

"He's a fantastic leader and he deserves everything he gets from the game and he deserves to have his name up their with some past legends.

"He's a legend himself."

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