Sporting two black eyes, Petero Civoniceva looked like he was still smarting from NSW prop Tim Grant’s now infamous opening State of Origin II hit, entering Queensland camp for the last time on Tuesday.
The veteran prop looked worse for wear after copping a head knock for Brisbane last round.
But in many ways, Civoniceva is still feeling the effects of Grant’s ferocious Origin debut ahead of his Maroons swansong.
Civoniceva was left on his backside by the thunderous opening hit-up by his ex-Penrith teammate – and he has not been allowed to forget it since, amid criticism the Maroons pack have been outmuscled this series.
“Don’t worry, I have been there plenty of times before,” Civoniceva laughed when asked about that Grant tackle ahead of his 33rd and last Origin.
Looking into the mirror might be a painful experience right now for the battle-scarred Civoniceva.
However, the 36-year-old hinted the Maroons pack needed a good hard look at themselves ahead of next week’s Origin III if they were to answer a revitalised NSW challenge.
“If we are honest with ourselves, we need to improve on the performances so far,” he said.
“We haven’t played to our potential. We only have one more chance to do that.”
But finding motivation won’t be a problem for a Maroons pack, desperate to provide Civoniceva a fitting Origin farewell with an unprecedented seventh straight series win in front of a packed Suncorp Stadium.
“We hold enormous respect for him,” said fellow Queensland forward David Shillington.
“Just as Locky (Darren Lockyer) deserved a winning farewell last year, so does Petero.
“It’s definitely at the forefront of our minds. We have looked up to him for so many years – we want to send him out a winner.”
Shillington agreed with Civoniceva that the Maroons forwards had to finally make a stand against NSW.
“I am happy to give them (Blues pack) credit. They had to produce something special in game two and they did that – they were passionate and aggressive,” he said.
“They have raised the bar in intensity. We will have to match that and then some to get it over them.”
Then there is the uncertainty surrounding the availability of prop Matt Scott, who will attend his mother’s funeral on Wednesday.
“He is such a big part of this team, it’s a sombre sort of feeling,” Civoniceva said.
“It’s a tough time. We are all great mates and, when something like that happens, it affects us all.
“Whether he plays or not, he has our full blessing.”
Scott’s situation has put an Origin swansong in perspective for Civoniceva.
“I know that the football gods can be cruel sometimes,” Civoniceva said.
“But it is the right time to be exiting.
“I never thought I would still be playing rugby league at 36 but I am grateful for the career I have had and this is a great way to go out, win or lose.”