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THIS morning, many kids along the eastern seaboard will have woken early to watch Australia play England in the Four Nations final, just as Petero Civoniceva used to do, setting the alarm to watch Kangaroo Tour games, trying not to wake anyone.

Civoniceva's four children will be part of the tradition this morning. Although, with all being under six years old, they will watch a version recorded by their mum. Then they will phone the Australian veteran.

''I always get a nice phone call after they've watched the game, telling me how I've gone,'' Civoniceva said. ''They always ask if I've scored a try, and it's always the same answer, no. But I helped get them there. That's my response.''

Many, many times. This game is extra special for Civoniceva and his family because it will make the front-rower the most capped forward in Australian Test history, surpassing John Raper's record of 39 matches.

''I was aware in the [May] Test against New Zealand that I was approaching it, and it spurred me on to do my best to be fit for the tour,'' Civoniceva said. ''I've done that, and to pass it, it's a massive honour. To be in that company, it's humbling. It almost doesn't feel right for me to be passing someone of his stature in our game. I just don't think it'll hit home, maybe not until I've hung the boots up.''

It is a remarkable feat from this Suva-born giant, and one of the most gentle of them off the field, who was always destined to play rugby union. Civoniceva was just a few months old when his father, Petero Civoniceva snr, a tall and physical second-rower, received an offer to play club rugby in Brisbane. He and his wife, Tima, as well as their baby boy, moved to Redcliffe, where young Petero grew up watching his father play.

''I always thought I'd be a rugby union player but it didn't work out that way,'' he said.

His mum and dad separated when he was in his early teens, and as Petero's career as a footballer - in both codes - started to blossom, Tima did everything she could to give him opportunities when they moved from Suva. She was a cleaner at Redcliffe Hospital - and still is - and worked extra shifts to allow Petero to make the most of his gifts.

''My mum was the one that struggled, as a single parent, trying to make ends meet, working long hours - when I started making a few rep teams she struggled to get me there, but she got me there,'' Civoniceva said. ''Having to support us kids and put us through school, and to do extra shifts to get me away on rep teams … she's followed my career and she's a huge supporter.''................[rainbow]Full Article[/rainbow]