Mick De Vere's confidence is his greatest asset. At the end of 1996, De Vere, a Campbelltown junior, sent an empassioned plea to Broncos coach Wayne Bennett to let him join the club.
Bennett gave him the chance. De Vere became a fixture in the 17 man squad in 1997, playing a vital role in the club's first premiership since 1993. His speed off the mark and exhilarating evasion make him one of the most promising youngsters in the game today.
He makes a top back up fullback for Darren Lockyer, and doubles as an accomplished goal kicker. The 1997 rookie of the year soared to greater heights in 1998, including scoring the first try in the Grand Final.
De Vere has become a fixture in the Broncos first grade lineup. When Lockyer was injured in 1999, De Vere was one of the best performers at fullback, and all season performed strongly in the centres.
In 2000, De Vere continued building on his already mounting reputation amongst the critics with an outstanding, consistent season. He played 27 of the Broncos' 29 matches, scored 12 tries and kicked 74 goals for an outstanding season haul of 196 points.
De Vere's goalkicking was one of the revelations of the latter half of the season, taking over from the equally impressive Ben Walker to ensure more often than not the Broncos turned 4 points into 6.
His season was capped off with the Broncos' Most Consistent Award and marriage to long time partner Olivia in December.
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