He has represented Australia, spilt blood in State of Origin and will be remembered as one of the toughest front-rowers of the modern era. This was the perfect ending to Brett White's stellar career.
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White put in a terrific individual performance in his 196th and final NRL game, making 126 metres from 17 carries and 27 tackles in the Raiders' 33-20 victory against the Parramatta Eels on Saturday night.
The 32-year-old and the entire Raiders team spent half an hour after full-time walking around Canberra Stadium, thanking the fans, signing autographs and taking numerous selfies.
"It's pretty special," White said. "I'm just happy for the club, I'm happy for the boys, I'm happy for Ricky (Raiders coach Ricky Stuart). He's been under enormous pressure and a lot of questions have been asked.
"I can see what he's building here, I believe in it.
"I'm really glad for him and the club as a whole to finish the season off with three wins in a row."
The Cooma junior joined the Raiders in 2011 after playing his first six seasons with the Melbourne Storm. White made eight appearances for NSW, played three Tests for Australia and represented Ireland at last year's World Cup.
The only thing missing to complete a fairytale farewell was his first try in his 69 games with the Raiders having not crossed the line since 2010. However, his teammates did their best to set him up for something even rarer – a one-pointer.
"There was a call to kick a field goal from 40 out," White said. "I done one yesterday and nailed it, it would have been from 50 out. The boys had more confidence than I did, because with five minutes to go the legs were shaking and I could barely stand up, so it was lucky they didn't pass it to me."
White will take up an off-field role with the Raiders next season.
He was one of several departing players the Raiders farewelled with a special presentation at the end of the game. Another of them was five-eighth Anthony Milford, who will be joining the Brisbane Broncos next season. Milford paid tribute to White's contribution to the Raiders and was pleased to send him out a winner.
"It's massive, the playing group wanted to do it for him," Milford said. "He's done a lot – not just for the fans but for us boys as well. He's a big mentor for the younger boys and I'm happy he's staying at the Raiders next year."
