Petero Civoniceva

Fijian-born Redcliffe junior missed Brisbane’s grand final win against the Roosters in 2000 after being injured but made his mark as a hard-running, impact player during 2001’s representative season. After starring in Queensland’s State of Origin success, Civoniceva made his Test debut as an interchange player in Australia’s 28-10 victory against NZ at Carlaw Park in July. Although the Broncos did not get the chance to defend their premiership, Civoniceva played in every Test that year, culminating in Australia’s Ashes win in England. Rep honours continued for this hard-working forward in 2003 – three State of Origin matches and 3 Tests against Great Britain (2003 Kangaroos Tour) – before gaining selection in Australia’s successful Tri Nations assault. During the next two years Civoniceva took over from Broncos team-mate Shane Webcke as the senior forward in the Queensland and Australian teams. In 2006 he round off a memorable year, after April’s Test victory, State of Origin success and grand final glory, by playing in all five Tests in Australia’s Tri-Nations triumph.