12 May 2010

Civoniceva re-signs with Panthers

5:52 pm on 12 May 2010

Penrith's captain Petero Civoniceva will see out his playing career with the Panthers after re-signing with the National Rugby League club until the end of the 2012.

The 34-year-old Australian Test prop rejected an offer to return to Brisbane, declaring he had unfinished business after arriving at Penrith in 2008.

Although it was widely believed Civoniceva would return to the Broncos, where he played 215 games from 1998 to 2007, he says he's played some of his most consistent football for the Panthers and it wouldn't t have been right to walk away.

Coach Matt Elliott says the Panthers had to retain the veteran if they were to continue pushing towards a premiership.