NRL legend, and games ambassador, Petero Civoniceva launched into the competition going head-to-head in a 300m row against four-time winner of the Gold Coast Airport Marathon Pat Carroll. Photo: Jasmine Rolfe
Wednesday 9 November
By Jasmine Rolfe
If you came along to the indoor rowing at the Jupiters Pan Pacific Masters Games (JPPMG) this morning you may have spotted NRL legend, and games ambassador, Petero Civoniceva having pictures taken with fans and supporting the competitors.
In true JPPMG spirit the former Brisbane Bronco launched into the competition going head-to-head in a 300m row against four-time winner of the Gold Coast Airport Marathon Pat Carroll.
The crowd clearly enjoyed seeing the spontaneous showdown between Pat and Petero, clapping and cheering them all the way to the finish line.
“This is harder than Origin!” Petero laughed when finishing the race.
Both of the sporting champions are ambassadors for the masters games this year and when asked why he loves the JPPMG, Petero said he signed up after being ‘blown away’ by the spirit of the games in 2014.
Petero Civoniceva competing in indoor rowing this morning. Photo: Jasmine Rolfe
“Last time I was just blown away by the amount of supporters and the general mood of the competitors,” Petero said.
“Everyone’s just there to have a great time and I guess that competitive spirit never dies despite what age you are.
“No matter what event it is everyone’s out there to give it their best shot and the indoor rowing is no different.”
Petero will be making surprise appearances at a number of sports across the next few days and put the boots on this afternoon for a rugby league ‘comeback’ at the Firth Park Sports Complex in Mudgeeraba.
He says he still enjoys playing league with his mates.
“Over the next three days I’ll be competing with my league team and also doing my ambassador role and getting out to a few events,” he said.
“The team I’m playing with are local friends and they’re pretty competitive.”
But there was no hesitation when asked whether or not he misses playing professionally in the NRL.
“No I don’t miss it when I see the hits! Now I wake up and I feel good every day,” he laughed.
