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Another farewell tour is about to begin at Red Hill and rumble right through the middle of an Origin series.

Just when New South Wales hoped Queensland's enthusiasm might finally start to dim, Petero Civoniceva dialled it back up to 11.

 

Civoniceva's announcement yesterday that he would quit the game at the end of the season was hardly a bolt from the blue. At 36 and with signs his form can waver from the impeccable standard he has set since 1998, the time was right to vacate his position in the Broncos pack.

 

He will be rightly regarded as one of the greatest frontrowers the game has seen, but the biggest short-term winner will be a Queensland side that suddenly has a shiny new reason to send NSW dangling up the gallows yet again.

 

With Darren Lockyer's long kiss goodbye having the desired impact in 2011, a merciless Queensland made it six consecutive Origin series victories. This year it will be Civoniceva's turn to be feted and his decision yesterday leaves no doubt that he will be in Melbourne on May 23.

 

His form isn't sparkling, but few doubt he would rise to the occasion in Origin. The value he represents in a Queensland jumper now stretches well being an immovable object on the field. Mal Meninga is a master motivator and has been gifted a fresh stockpile of ammunition. Given the enormous respect the humble and erudite Civoniceva elicits within league circles, there will be immense impetus for Queensland to see his record-breaking Origin career conclude on the right note.

 

Civoniceva yesterday said he was ready and willing to add to his 30 Origin appearances if selectors saw fit to grant him a farewell tour.

"I've put my hand up for it. All I can do is concentrate on my form and let Origin be the job of selectors," Civoniceva said.

 

While there has been speculation his place in the Queensland squad is in doubt, brisbanetimes.com.au understands he will be among the 17 names unveiled on Monday night in Brisbane if he emerges unscathed from Brisbane's date with Manly on Friday night.

Civoniceva broke the news of his retirement to the Brisbane playing group yesterday before addressing a hastily arranged press conference in the club's boardroom.

He said he knew his return to Brisbane from Penrith on a one-year deal could signify his swansong in the NRL, but only made up his mind after long discussions with coach Anthony Griffin and operations boss Andrew Gee.

"I knew through the pre-season that I just wanted to have the best year possible. It was something always in the back of my mind," Civoniceva said.

"I've been very fortunate. I've spoken to Hook (Griffin) at great length about it. I feel it's great to get it off my shoulders and concentrate on playing the best football possible for the Broncos.

"I knew in the back of my mind it was the right decision. I'm happy now that it's done and dusted."

 

His former coach at the Broncos, Wayne Bennett, said the hulking bookend projected a "God-like" fear on the field.

“He had such a God-like fear about him (that) nobody ever wanted to take him on anyway,” Bennett said.

“He was one of those people you never wanted to upset. It would take a lot for him to lose it but you knew if he did there would be absolute mayhem.”

So durable is Civoniceva that Warriors forward Monty Betham, a handy boxer, broke his arm as he punched him in the head.

“Petero never flinched,” Bennett said.

 

Civoniceva will leave behind a litany of records when he retires. He is already the most capped representative forward (45 Tests, 30 State of Origins) and is three games shy of 300 NRL appearances.

He will continue in an unspecified role at the Broncos next year and could continue his work with the Rugby League Players Association, where he is general president.

“Petero's reputation in the game and also in the community is a wonderful asset. He'll have an ongoing role within the club amongst other things he may or may not do when he finishes his career as well," said Brisbane chief executive Paul White.

“With Petero, the game has such a strong opinion of him. Petero's place in the game will be very secure.”

 

 

 

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