Mini sticks with No. 1

parragirl · Posted: Thu Feb 21, 2008 1:41 pm Post subject: Mini sticks with No. 1

Staying at fullback...Roosters No 1. Anthony Minichiello. Picture: James Croucher.

By Steve Jancetic
February 20, 2008 12:00am

FORMER Test fullback Anthony Minichiello today revealed he knocked back an offer from Sydney Roosters coach Brad Fittler to give up his coveted No.1 jumper.

Concerned at what impact the rigours of playing fullback in the NRL would have on his twice surgically repaired back, Fittler approached Minichiello about a move into the centres or wing in a bid to preserve his body.

But Minichiello, who has missed large chunks of the last two seasons due to back injuries, said he was keen to return in the position from which he captured the world footballer of the year crown in 2005.

"He (Fittler) just thought it might be good to lighten my workload until I got back into the swing of things," Minichiello said.

"We just had a chat about it at the start of the year and I just told him I wanted to stay where I was just to get my confidence back straight away instead of chopping and changing positions.

"Playing fullback's what I know best so I just wanted to get back there."

Fittler claimed he only had Minichiello's best interests in mind when he came up with the offer.

The 27-year-old custodian was diagnosed with ruptured discs in his back in both 2006 and 2007.

Minichiello had developed a reputation as something of a warhorse in the years preceding the injury, both in the amount of football he played and total lack of self preservation in his running style.

He ran for more metres than any other player in the NRL in 2003 and 2004 and was fourth best in 2005.

"We spoke about (changing positions) and we'll most probably continue to monitor that," Fittler said.

"But he enjoys playing fullback and I suppose that's a respect thing - he gets first shot at it.

"He hasn't played really for a couple of years, but last year when he did play, he played Origin and he was most probably one of the better players in that state side.

"I'm backing him to get back, it's hard to imagine where, there's a few good fullbacks out there at the moment so it's a good challenge for him."

While his focus remains getting back on the field for the Roosters, starting with Saturday night's Foundation Cup clash against Wests Tigers at the Sydney Football Stadium, Minichiello admitted to letting his mind drift to higher honours.

He played in the opening match of last year's Origin series before injury struck, but with the World Cup to be held in Australia later this year, the carrot to return to his best is obvious.

"It's hard not to (think about the World Cup) - I'd love to be a part of it," Minichiello said.

"There is a bonus at the end of the year if you are playing well.

"But I've got to get back to my level of footy with the Roosters."

http://www.news.com.au/dailyteleg.../0,22049,23246713-5006066,00.html

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