Thank You Mini

[Danish]

My favourite ever rooster. Has been my favourite player since high school, and given how much more you can idolise a player when you are young I'll never feel as strongly about a player again.

For those few years from 2003 midway through 2006 when his injuries kicked in he was unquestionably the best fullback in the comp, and just about the best player in the world. His pace, his footwork, his strength, his tackle breaking ability, and just his complete awarenesss of where he should be in support were all unsurpassed.

People that try and claim Slater, Hayne, and Inglis have all left him behind are either too young to have ever seen him in his prime, or too forgetful. Hayne and Slater are his equals, while Inglis will never have the same energy and involvement as Mini in his prime.

Sure we all thought he stuck around too long at times, but his ability to hit the wall and then break through it time after time would make De Castella blush and is a testament to his mental toughness. Again, I'd like to see fat boy Inglis take the kind of knocks the Count has and drag themselves back into form.

Most players would have retired after the injuries that Mini suffered, and no one would have questioned them. Mini decided to fight on and was rewarded with 2 more grand finals, a return to the state of origin arena (and scoring the winning try to boot), and captaining his team to a premiership.

Absolute champion, who I will remember fondly when I am an old man shouting league at nurses long after dementia has robbed me of the ability to remember my own name

[Guest]

My favourite ever rooster. Has been my favourite player since high school, and given how much more you can idolise a player when you are young I'll never feel as strongly about a player again.

For those few years from 2003 midway through 2006 when his injuries kicked in he was unquestionably the best fullback in the comp, and just about the best player in the world. His pace, his footwork, his strength, his tackle breaking ability, and just his complete awarenesss of where he should be in support were all unsurpassed.

People that try and claim Slater, Hayne, and Inglis have all left him behind are either too young to have ever seen him in his prime, or too forgetful. Hayne and Slater are his equals, while Inglis will never have the same energy and involvement as Mini in his prime.

Sure we all thought he stuck around too long at times, but his ability to hit the wall and then break through it time after time would make De Castella blush and is a testament to his mental toughness. Again, I'd like to see fat boy Inglis take the kind of knocks the Count has and drag themselves back into form.

Most players would have retired after the injuries that Mini suffered, and no one would have questioned them. Mini decided to fight on and was rewarded with 2 more grand finals, a return to the state of origin arena (and scoring the winning try to boot), and captaining his team to a premiership.

Absolute champion, who I will remember fondly when I am an old man shouting league at nurses long after dementia has robbed me of the ability to remember my own name

Well said Danish.

I've been a critic for the past few years and thought he held on too long.

For me though what he did in his prime was always more than enough in my eyes to be considered a champion.

Well done Mini, I hope the boys can send him out a winner.

[milanja]

My favourite ever rooster. Has been my favourite player since high school, and given how much more you can idolise a player when you are young I'll never feel as strongly about a player again.

For those few years from 2003 midway through 2006 when his injuries kicked in he was unquestionably the best fullback in the comp, and just about the best player in the world. His pace, his footwork, his strength, his tackle breaking ability, and just his complete awarenesss of where he should be in support were all unsurpassed.

People that try and claim Slater, Hayne, and Inglis have all left him behind are either too young to have ever seen him in his prime, or too forgetful. Hayne and Slater are his equals, while Inglis will never have the same energy and involvement as Mini in his prime.

Sure we all thought he stuck around too long at times, but his ability to hit the wall and then break through it time after time would make De Castella blush and is a testament to his mental toughness. Again, I'd like to see fat boy Inglis take the kind of knocks the Count has and drag themselves back into form.

Most players would have retired after the injuries that Mini suffered, and no one would have questioned them. Mini decided to fight on and was rewarded with 2 more grand finals, a return to the state of origin arena (and scoring the winning try to boot), and captaining his team to a premiership.

Absolute champion, who I will remember fondly when I am an old man shouting league at nurses long after dementia has robbed me of the ability to remember my own name

Nicely said.

Not sure I have ever seen a player who tries to give his all in any situation, if anything he would try yoo hard.

Hayne is in a different league to everybody in my opinion, he is the only thing keeping parra in the hunt, and also in 2009. Has won a dally m with no help from his team mates, and was the only reason NSW won this series. Freak.

[Jacks Fur Coat]

My favourite ever rooster. Has been my favourite player since high school, and given how much more you can idolise a player when you are young I'll never feel as strongly about a player again.

For those few years from 2003 midway through 2006 when his injuries kicked in he was unquestionably the best fullback in the comp, and just about the best player in the world. His pace, his footwork, his strength, his tackle breaking ability, and just his complete awarenesss of where he should be in support were all unsurpassed.

People that try and claim Slater, Hayne, and Inglis have all left him behind are either too young to have ever seen him in his prime, or too forgetful. Hayne and Slater are his equals, while Inglis will never have the same energy and involvement as Mini in his prime.

Sure we all thought he stuck around too long at times, but his ability to hit the wall and then break through it time after time would make De Castella blush and is a testament to his mental toughness. Again, I'd like to see fat boy Inglis take the kind of knocks the Count has and drag themselves back into form.

Most players would have retired after the injuries that Mini suffered, and no one would have questioned them. Mini decided to fight on and was rewarded with 2 more grand finals, a return to the state of origin arena (and scoring the winning try to boot), and captaining his team to a premiership.

Absolute champion, who I will remember fondly when I am an old man shouting league at nurses long after dementia has robbed me of the ability to remember my own name

A post worthy of applause.

[Horry]

Congrats on a wonderful career Mini, back to back lets do it.

[Guest]

Mini has provided so many great memories - beating the great Bill Mullins try scoring record was one of these. Definitely one of the very best Roosters of the last 40 years. Wish him well and glad he will be staying on with the club.

[Guest]

All the best Mini.

True Champion.

The hard work he put in to get over the injuries he has had should be an inspiration to others. A credit to the Red, white and blue and a pleasure to follow over the years.

Our last link to that golden era in the early '00s with Freddy, Fitzy, Morley, Ricko, Fletch, Cross, etc.

I will miss watching you and I reckon you will be missed on the field. I'm glad the club has a position already lined up for him post-footy. Hopefully he stays around the club for a long time to come like Freddy and Fitzy have.

[novice chook]

Always great to see a true champion retire on his own terms. And nicely organised by the club, no hole in the corner, last minute presso for our captain and easts legend. He was able to celebrate this milestone with his family, club and team mates.

I feel I've been privileged to witness his career from start to finish and wish him all the best for the future. I'm sure Chooks supporters will see him in and around the club in future.

Champion on and off the field. Thanks for the memories.

NC

[PKR]

My favourite ever rooster. Has been my favourite player since high school, and given how much more you can idolise a player when you are young I'll never feel as strongly about a player again.

For those few years from 2003 midway through 2006 when his injuries kicked in he was unquestionably the best fullback in the comp, and just about the best player in the world. His pace, his footwork, his strength, his tackle breaking ability, and just his complete awarenesss of where he should be in support were all unsurpassed
People that try and claim Slater, Hayne, and Inglis have all left him behind are either too young to have ever seen him in his prime, or too forgetful. Hayne and Slater are his equals, while Inglis will never have the same energy and involvement as Mini in his prime.

Sure we all thought he stuck around too long at times, but his ability to hit the wall and then break through it time after time would make De Castella blush and is a testament to his mental toughness. Again, I'd like to see fat boy Inglis take the kind of knocks the Count has and drag themselves back into form.

Most players would have retired after the injuries that Mini suffered, and no one would have questioned them. Mini decided to fight on and was rewarded with 2 more grand finals, a return to the state of origin arena (and scoring the winning try to boot), and captaining his team to a premiership.

Absolute champion, who I will remember fondly when I am an old man shouting league at nurses long after dementia has robbed me of the ability to remember my own name

Great post Danish.
It will be a sad day when Mini retires. He has been a great player for our club and he has a lot to be proud of. He has been loyal to the Roosters remaining a one club player.
Thank you for the memories Mini .... good luck with everything you do in the future.

[Johnny Tobin]

You can't question his effort, love for our club and that he is the nicest person you will ever meet.

Or that he was one hell of a player prior to his back injury. Incredible player really.

[kurtsherlock6]

You can't question his effort, love for our club and that he is the nicest person you will ever meet.

Or that he was one hell of a player prior to his back injury. Incredible player really.

He still goes ok.