Petero Civoniceva, is known as being one of the toughest players in NRL. But, it’s the hits he’s taken off the field that have been the greatest test. In 2022, Petero had a conversation about mental health with our counsellor Rees.
“On the field you have a team of experts to help you play to your potential. One thing I’ve learnt is that you don’t have to be alone off the field either. It can be as simple as letting a mate know that you’re doing it tough, but for blokes, we often wait until it’s too late to lean on others,” he said.
Petero’s experiences
At just 13, he suddenly became the ‘man of the house’ as he watched his dad walk out on his mum and younger sisters, leaving them broke financially and emotionally. Petero said goodbye to his childhood at that moment.
“It changed me, I had to step up and help mum out as much as I could,” he said.
Growing up fast made him tough and driven. Now, as a father-of-four, Petero has a steely resolve to not let history repeat.
“I watched my dad leave us. My mum, sisters and I struggled to recover from this. I knew that I never wanted my own kids to struggle like I did. All families and relationships go through rough patches. I knew that I needed to have a different plan if I wanted to have a different story from my own childhood,” he said.
Famous for making big hits when it counted, Petero brought brute strength to every game he played. His presence on-field would fill his opponents with a cold fear knowing that the next 80 minutes would be a tough defensive game. He was one of the best in the game for hit ups, never tiring, and always serving it up in a sportsmanlike manner.
The importance of having conversations about mental health
At home, he takes a softer approach to protecting his family. The impact that is parents’ relationship breakdown had on him and his siblings is his motivation to do good for his family.
When you’re hitting it up into the challenges of life and it gets tough, always look for support. It could be a family member, a friend, a counsellor – help is always close by.
Everyday life is full of big hits, often out of our control – whether it’s the pandemic, financial issues, losses, work, relationships, isolation, or loneliness. They all hit differently, and they can hit really hard. The challenge is to not go it alone.
Seeking help can be a stretch out of your comfort zone. Though, it can be as simple as letting a mate know that you’re doing it tough, through to seeking some extra support through counselling. There’s a team around you to help with whatever life is throwing at you.
In conclusion
If you need support or want to have a conversation about your mental health, we provide professional, confidential and free counselling services. Taking the first step is often the hardest but our team is on your side and here to help. For more information and to take the first step, click here.
For crisis support please call triple zero or contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.