It’s his swansong series, but Petero Civoniceva humbly accepts that Wednesday’s opening State of Origin match could be his last appearance.
No other forward has played as many Tests or State of Origin matches as the Fijian-born Queensland giant.
But at age 36 and in his last season, Civoniceva knows the axe may well fall on his illustrious Origin career if the smaller, more mobile NSW pack get the upper hand and the Blues pull off an upset at Melbourne’s Etihad Stadium to grab a 1-0 series lead.
“You live by the sword and I’ve put myself on the line again to go (around) one more time,” said Civoniceva on Thursday as he prepared for his 31st Origin match.
“I guess it’s in the back of my mind that you run the risk, but for me all I know is that I want to make sure I perform as strongly as possible.
“I’ve always felt fortunate to be a part of these teams but you know how quickly you can see your demise on the back of one bad performance.”
Civoniceva is no different to any player – he fears being axed.
Before the second game of the 2006 series, Civoniceva and Darren Lockyer were told their Origin futures were on the line with NSW threatening to take a record fourth straight series after winning game one 17-16 despite Queensland holding a big lead early.
The turnaround then is etched in history with Queensland going on to win six straight series.
“There was doubt over the careers of Locky (Darren Lockyer), Steve Price and myself in 2006,” revealed Civoniceva.
“We had a lot of pressure on us going into the 2006 series, especially after we lost the first game.
“I’m just so grateful we were able to build something from there and I’ve been able to remain in the team.”
So too are coach Mal Meninga and his Queensland teammates who regard Civoniceva as the rock on which many of their great victories over the Blues have been built.
Tough back-rower Nate Myles loves having Civoniceva around.
He isn’t surprised that, even in the intensity of Origin, no player had taken a swing at the 110kg Civoniceva during his 30 Queensland appearances.
“After you’ve tackle him you realise your fist isn’t going to do much to him,” said Myles.
“He’s such a tough man. I don’t think his knees bend when he runs. He’s so hard to tackle and you know it’s going to hurt.
“I don’t think anyone will replace what Petero means to Queensland on or off the field.”
Civoniceva said pulling on the Queensland jumper meant everything.
“I guess I just wanted it so badly as a kid and it’s still like that for me,” he said.
“I’m lucky I have always thought that way and that’s why I have been a part of this for so long now.”
The emotion of it being his last series hasn’t hit him yet.
“It’ll be something where if I’m fortunate enough to be there for the third game I’ll look back and reflect on what has been a good run,” he said.
