NRL: Mr Ambassador

Petero Civoniceva. Photo / Getty Images

Rugby league could do worse than conduct some medical tests to reveal what makes Petero Civoniceva tick.

Alternatively, as one of the sport's finest ambassadors, he could perhaps teach social etiquette. The NRL could pick up the tab and enrol the likes of Nate Myles, Greg Bird, Andrew Johns and Willie Mason to improve their social behaviour. Bibs and crayons would be provided.

Civoniceva keeps it simple. Despite being a veteran of 258 first grade games, 27 State of Origin matches and 41 tests he's available for media commitments at short notice after his latest match for Queensland. That's a pretty good start.

Admittedly it comes after his Maroons dished out a fifth consecutive series defeat to the Blues and their first 3-0 clean sweep since 1995. So he's probably keen to revel in the moment.

On the other hand, it is the school holidays and he is spending time with his wife and four children (aged between one and six) after declaring himself fit to skipper Penrith today against the Warriors.

Surely he wants to be left alone?

"Nah mate, it's fine ... all part of the job," he drawls in his broad Australian accent - he was brought to the country from Fiji by his parents before he'd turned one.

"I am glad Origin is over for another year, though. Being away from home is tough on the family but my wife and I have an understanding that's what has to be done. She loves the fact I'm still playing rep football, but with four little ones it gets harder this time of year. It's good that I can concentrate solely on the Panthers now."

It is indeed a good time. They are second on the NRL table, two points adrift of the Dragons, albeit before facing the Warriors today. Civoniceva is clearly thrilled behind his modest mask, after working hard with the side for three years after his time with the Broncos - where he had became an institution from 1998-2007.

There is more hard work to be done. In 2008 and 2009, the Panthers were placed seventh heading into the same stage of the season (round 18) - but slipped to 12th and 11th respectively with sloppy ends to the season.

"As good as it is to be at the top of ladder, we have been there before and haven't been able to finish," Civoniceva says. "This is the strongest squad we've had in my time with the Panthers. The senior players in the group have been a plus - such as Luke Lewis, Trent Waterhouse, Frank Puletua and Shane Elford. We've tried to set standards and build a strong team culture."

Civoniceva acknowledges there have been behavioural problems in the NRL but insists he can only control what happens in his own team.

"It's disappointing but it starts with us as players, proving we can handle ourselves as footballers in a professional environment. You need a senior team around to do that."

Civoniceva says the most recent example has been with Queensland under coach Mal Meninga.

"A decent culture is something Mal brought; he's done a great job bringing the current group through with leaders like Steve Price and Darren Lockyer. It started in 2006 when we were under some pressure to turn around that Origin series, and did so. A stronger group of men came out of it."

Civoniceva says he keeps in regular contact with Price, his former Origin team-mate and fellow pillar of the Queensland pack during this stellar period.

"It's disappointing Pricey will never wear a Maroons jersey again but he knows he played a huge part developing the current success. It's hard when you see a champion in any sport not go out on their own terms. I call and text him every now and again to see how he's going. Obviously it has been an emotional time."

Price may be gone from the Warriors pack as well but Civoniceva is still wary,despite the 40-12 hiding the Panthers dished out in the sixth round.

"This is one of our biggest challenges. The Warriors have hit their straps in the last few rounds. I know they're missing some key players but I'm a fan of that young forward pack. Some of those guys are the most damaging in the game, there are some devastating ball runners."