When Luke Ricketson first laid eyes on Anthony Minichiello he predicted the then 16-year-old would be a special talent. But not even Ricketson could have foreseen the kid with the slicked back hair would break his most appearances for the Sydney Roosters record almost two decades later.
Minichiello's farewell tour will add another chapter when he runs out for his 302nd NRL game to break Ricketson's record who drew time on his decorated 15-year-career at the end of 2005. Minichiello – who has also spent 15 seasons in first grade - and Ricketson were much more than teammates. They lived together for a brief period in 2002 before going on to win a title later that season, played countless representative games alongside each other while Ricketson was a groomsman at Minichiello's wedding.
Ricketson will be on hand to pay tribute to Minichiello on Friday night. "I was playing first grade but we were encouraged to go out and watch an under-16 Harold Matthews semi-final," Ricketson said. "Everyone was talking abut this Anthony Minichiello kid I remember him with his slick back hair and a little crazy undercut hairstyle. He was this bloke on the wing that could break tackles, had speed to burn and could bounce off everyone. He hated being tackled. "I remember vividly watching him on that day. He had a lot of ability."
The pair are the only Roosters' players to have played more than 300 games for the club, with former teammate Craig Fitzgibbon and Kevin Hastings next best on 228. Ricketson said Minichiello was instantly taken into the group when he burst onto the scene in 2000.
"We were a close-knit group throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s," Ricketson said. "He was part of our social group and was part of everything we did as a team. He was instantly liked and had a great character about him. He is one of the nicest blokes in rugby league. Whenever you would ask Mini something the answer would always be 'sweet mate'. He is a positive bloke and there's never been a moment where I've heard him worry about a game or about our performance."
Minichiello was 26 games behind Ricketson heading into this season. The pair still speak about three times a week and Ricketson was quick to congratulate Minichiello following the Roosters win against the Cowboys last week texting him: "onwards and upwards towards 302" and urged the Roosters skipper to "go all the way" in their premiership defence.
"I'm happy for a bloke like Mini to hold the record," Ricketson said. "For what he has achieved and being such a humble and good bloke and a role model for our club.
"I know the Roosters can get negative press but for a couple of players to come through in the last 10 or so years and achieve this really shows to the current playing group that you can have longevity at this club and they can nurture and look after you."
