Civoniceva set for Broncos return

Veteran forward Petero Civoniceva will enjoy a swansong season with Brisbane after securing a release from Penrith.

Civoniceva, 35, will return to Broncos colours for his last season next year before bringing the curtain down on an illustrious career.

“He has a wealth of experience as a player that will be invaluable to our club,” said Broncos’ head coach Anthony Griffin.

“He was the best front rower in Origin III so is obviously still one of the best forwards getting around in the NRL.

Civoniceva made 215 appearances for the Broncos between 1998 and 2008, picking up three premierships during that time.

The Fiji-born prop has also won 45 caps for Australia and made 30 appearances for Queensland at State of Origin level.

Added Griffin: “But his greatest strength for us will be his experience and leadership off the field.

“He will be a wonderful mentor in the dressing room and generally around the club for the group of young players we have here at the moment.

“This is great news for our club, and very fitting for Petero that he can finish his career back where it all began.”

Rumours surfaced recently that Civoniceva, who is currently skipper at the Panthers, had been unhappy at the sacking of coach Matt Elliott and unimpressed by the short tenure handed to Steve Georgalis.