No rugby league player polarises opinion quite like New South Wales playmaker Mitchell Pearce and despite his detractors, the 24 year-old heads into yet another State of Origin clash next Wednesday night.
Some say that this could be his last match in the sky blue if NSW are beaten in an eighth consecutive series at ANZ Stadium and you can very easily argue that Pearce has had more than a chance to cement his legacy and lead the Blues to victory.
The Sydney Rooster agreed with public sentiment telling The Daily Telegraph yesterday that if he didn’t perform he would be out the door for 2014 and beyond.
“I’ve got to win, full stop,” Pearce said.
“If I don’t win, I’ve got no doubt that I won’t be there. There are other guys knocking on the door and they (selectors) will probably go another way (next year), which is even more reason to win the game.”
That man knocking is undoubtedly young South Sydney Rabbitohs wiz Adam Reynolds.
The Rabbitohs are rocking along and after seventeen rounds of the competition there is no team looking better than the boys from Redfern. Much of Souths’ success can be attributed to the little number seven.
Reynolds has been phenomenal and cannot be ignored any longer. Despite a long line of superstars and dominant personalities, Reynolds has become the linchpin at the Rabbitohs.
Pearce has long been criticised for his kicking game in big matches.
The polar opposite has been Reynolds. A halfback who has a feel for the game similar to that of legendary Brisbane Broncos captain Allan Langer.
He plays the game like all great halfbacks should.
“I’m confident in my own game,” Pearce continued.
“I have my trademarks that I play best at. It’s a matter of sticking to those under pressure in the game and if we can get 13 guys doing that, we’ll go close to winning.”
While Pearce is good in a structured environment, Reynolds has proved he can roll with the punches and still come out looking a million bucks. Only last Sunday the little Rabbitoh setup a try for Andrew Everingham that had the crowd in Perth on their feet.
Early in the match a wayward pass was shot out to Reynolds who instinctively and nonchalantly booted the ball over the defensive line and into the waiting arms of his winger.
How many other halfbacks could have pulled that off?
So what if the Rabbitohs continue on their merry way, secure the minor premiership and go on to win the title?
Will it matter if Pearce and the Blues come out victorious next Wednesday night?
Picking Pearce for the 2013 series was probably the right choice and Laurie Daley was well within his rights to hold off on picking Reynolds. But it is only a matter of time before the diminutive halfback gets his chance.
Imagine how good Reynolds will be after a finals series, a possible grand final and even a tour of Europe with the Australian World Cup squad?
Whether the Blues win or loss next week has little bearing on what happens next season.
You have to wonder if Daley hasn’t already penciled Reynolds in for 2014.
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Whether it is for his football form or comments around his Aboriginal heritage, Mitchell may just be the most talked about player in the history of the game.
