NRL legend Petero Civoniceva reveals details on massive police tribute football match

Broncos icon Petero Civoniceva has opened up on how the loss of a friend led him to work with QPS rugby league, as he reveals the fellow footy icons set to pull on their boots for the Rachel McCrow and Matthew Arnold Memorial Day.

Petero Civoniceva, Brisbane Broncos training, Red Hill. Photographer: Liam Kidston.

NRL legend and former Broncos player Petero Civoniceva has opened up about his emotion-charged journey working with Queensland Police rugby league, and how he helped organise the Rachel McCrow and Matthew Arnold Memorial Day to ensure it was a fitting commemoration.

It’s not the first time the former Queensland State of Origin front rower has stepped up to honour a fallen hero, taking on a key role in 2017 following the death of Senior Constable Brett Forte who was tragically killed in the line of duty while working at the Lockyer Valley.

“I took part in (his memorial) game and it was a raging success,” he said.

“I was able to get a couple of my former teammates to play in that match, it was a wonderful day and for Brett’s family to be there, it was very special.”

When the rugby league icon got the call up from QPSRL to ask if he wanted to be involved in this weekend’s memorial match, he didn’t hesitate.

“(QPSRL) let me know about the idea of a match for Rachel and Matthew and I jumped at the opportunity and said of course,” he said.

Petero Civoniceva (ball) during NSW v Queensland State of Origin Game 2 at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane.

Civoniceva said that when it came to gathering a team of former NRL stars to take to the field alongside him, they had turn people away.

“We’ve got Nathan Blacklock, Justin Hodges, Willie Tonga, Dane Carlaw, Dean Widders, Tyrone Roberts, the list goes on,” he said.

“Our former NRL players are excited to get out there. They’re all different shapes and sizes now since retiring from football but it’s going to be great for us to all play again.

“Unfortunately some had to miss out because we could only fit so many into the squad but that was just another indication of how many people wanted to be a part of it.”

The former Broncos player said he knew from the get-go they had to go big with this weekend’s event.

“Luckily for me as a former Dolphins Junior and player, I’ve got a relationship (with the club), and the CEO Tony Murphy instantly said, ‘Petero we would love to give you the stadium for the day’.”

The former Broncos player said from there, many of his friends and contacts expressed their interest in being part of the big day at the Redcliffe stadium.

“There was no hesitation from anyone,” he said.

“I contacted a friend at Channel 9 and next thing you know, we have coverage of the game.

“It’s gone from strength-to-strength in terms of people wanting to contribute.”

The Constable Rachel McCrow and Constable Matthew Arnold QPS Memorial Day will be held February 25 at Kayo Stadium.

The former footy player emphasised the toll the loss of Constables McCrow and Arnold had on people all across the country, and the football community’s desire to pay respects to “the amazing men and women in blue”.

“When you think about their sacrifice, and what they do every morning when they leave for work, there’s so much at stake every time,” he said.

“This loss affected everyone. As a father of four kids myself, my family’s safety is everything and I’m so grateful for our QPS who are there to look after us and take care of our community.

“This is the least we can do to show them how much we care.”

The epic showdown will also see two mates go head to head on the field, with Acting Sergeant Matthew Minz captain the Dream Team and Senior Constable Justin Drier captain the All Stars. 

Sergeant Matt Minz and Senior Constable Justin Drier will face off during the Constable Rachel McCrow and Matthew Arnold Memorial Football match this weekend. Picture: Southern Boars

“When an incident like what (occurred) on December 12 last year happens, we all hurt. We share the pain and pull together to make it through together,” Sergeant Minz said.

Gates at the Dolphins’ Kayo Stadium in Redcliffe will open at 12:30pm, Saturday February 25.

Game 1 starts at 1pm, QPSWRL Dream Team vs QPSWRL All Stars

Game 2 starts at 2pm, ABF Immortals vs QPS Legends

Game 3 starts at 3:30pm, QPSRL Dream Team vs QPSRL All Stars

The Queensland Rugby League Memorial Day will air at 1pm on Channel 9 and 9Now.

Tickets now available.

Originally published as NRL legend Petero Civoniceva reveals details on massive police tribute football match