Hugh McGahan: Mini a man head and shoulders above his peers

Anthony Minichiello.

One of the true gentlemen of rugby league is saying goodbye in what is likely to be his last outing at Mt Smart Stadium today.

In Anthony Minichiello you could not meet a more respectful, courteous and humble man - not only in the NRL but also in life.

He has carried himself with style and composure throughout his career, even in the face of mounting pressure to consider retirement when injury ravaged him for nearly four consecutive seasons.

The pressure of a severe back injury in itself was a battle. But he also faced pressure from within the club to retire or take offers from the UK Super League or Japanese rugby rather than re-sign with his beloved Roosters. He asked for faith from officials and promised a clean bill of health in return for a contract.

He returned to playing and regained his playing form, justifying the belief he had in himself and the contract with the Roosters.

Through tough times on the field, Mini held firm his desire to recapture respect of the club, similar to when he made his debut. That was in 2000 when the Roosters returned to a grand final for the first time in 20 years - they lost to the Broncos.

The club were on a path of dominance, reaching the grand final four times in five years, winning one against the Warriors in 2002.

Minichiello was destined to receive plaudits. After moving to his preferred position of fullback when Luke Phillips retired after the 2002 grand final, his representative career with NSW and Australia catapulted him to stardom.

Awards were bestowed on him, including the prestigious Golden Boot, and he set a new benchmark for fullbacks.

Billy Slater has taken that further but, after returning from injury, Minichiello matched Slater's level to again be among the best.

Mini also set standards in off-field behaviour that others emulate.

He's a gentleman both on and off the field. What you see is exactly how he is in real life. I'm proud to say I know him and glad he will continue to have a role within the club and the game, because we need him.

He's proof there are good people within this game, despite the efforts of some people and influences that suggest the opposite.

The words great, champion and legend are labels too easily rolled off the tongue these days. In this case, they are words that define this man.

Good luck, Anthony Minichiello, and thank you for being the person you are.