Brisbane coach Anthony Griffin senses the emotion starting to mount as the end of Petero Civoniceva’s great rugby league career draws nearer.
“There might be another road show building,” conceded Griffin on the eve of Civoniceva’s 300th NRL game against South Sydney at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night.
“I just got over the last one,” he added with reference to former captain Darren Lockyer, who seemed to play a milestone game every second week during his 2011 farewell season.
Fiji-born Civoniceva will play the game in front of his proud parents, his wife Bonnie and their four children as they enjoy one of the big moments in his last season.
“Petero will play to his ability and give us the best game he possibly can,” said Griffin.
“He knows he’s got another 10 or 11 games left in our colours and hopefully a few more (finals) at the end of the year.
“The important thing is that everyone else doesn’t let him down tomorrow night.
“It’s Petero’s 300th game and you want everyone to respect that with their performance.”
The last major milestone game Brisbane played was Lockyer’s record-breaking 350th match against the Cowboys in Townsville when the players responded for their skipper with a 34-16 win.
Griffin, however, warned it would foolish if his players thought Civoniceva’s 300th game should ensure the two points against Souths.
“It’s a happy night for Petero if after 80 minutes we’re in front on the scoreboard, then we can all celebrate with him.”
To that cause Brisbane welcome back skipper Sam Thaiday (shoulder) lock Corey Parker (cut leg) and Civoniceva (rested) who missed last weekend’s 12-0 loss to the Cowboys.
“It’s lovely to have them back, it gives us a bit more strike and a bit more class,” said Griffin.
Thaiday is receiving ongoing treatment for a shoulder injury that will at some stage require surgery.
“He’s got a torn labrum which he’s going to manage through the rest of the season,” said Griffin.
“Locky (Darren Lockyer) had one last year and he played the year out. A few of our other players have similar injuries they’re carrying.
“It’s a major thing and at some stage he’ll need surgery but our experienced medical people are confident he can get through to the end of season.”