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Pearce will break NRL games record: Mini

Roar Guru
9th October, 2014
19

Anthony Minichiello is confident rejuvenated Sydney Roosters halfback Mitchell Pearce will go on and break the all-time NRL record for most matches.

Pearce was axed from the NSW State of Origin side earlier this season, but ended the year in outstanding form and is now in line to make his debut for Australia in the end-of-year Four Nations.

Following injury to star half Johnathan Thurston, the door has opened in the squad alongside first-choice playmakers Cooper Cronk and Daly Cherry-Evans, and Pearce stood out as one of the players of the NRL finals.

According to Minichiello, Pearce has turned a corner in his career, and believes there’s plenty for the 25-year-old to look forward to.

Retiring champion Minichiello joined the 300 club by season’s end and has usurped good mate Luke Ricketson as the Roosters’ record holder for longest serving player with 302 first grade games.

But Minichiello is adamant Pearce, who has already played 182 games, will smash his mark and also overtake Darren Lockyer’s record of 355 to retire as the most capped NRL player in history.

“He’s the man, he’ll get it,” said Minichiello.

“If he doesn’t get injured he’ll get the record without a doubt. He’s going to be a Rooster for life so he’ll be chasing it down.

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“He’s pretty well put together Pearcey. He doesn’t have many injuries and if he looks after himself he’ll be chasing Lockyer’s record.”

Following Minichiello’s departure, the Roosters will be looking for a new captain for 2015, and the fullback great suggested Pearce is also the front runner for that honour.

“He’s our on-field leader that’s for sure,” he said.

Pearce was outstanding against both Penrith and South Sydney in the playoffs, even though the Roosters went on to lose both games.

To follow in his father Wayne’s footsteps and play for the Kangaroos would be a sweet achievement for the much-maligned Pearce, who wasn’t considered by NSW coach Laurie Daley this year following a big night on the town prior to the series.

Pearce, who debuted in the top grade at 17 and is contracted for another three seasons at Bondi Junction, says he’s gone back to doing what he does best.

“On a personal level, it’s been pretty pleasing that I’ve been playing really good footy and started getting back to myself and started believing in myself a lot more,” he said.

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“When I was a kid I was probably a really good runner of the ball and I went away from that.

“I’ve gone back to my strengths of competing and taking the line on a lot more and I think that’s been working for me.”

Pearce says he doesn’t think about milestones but admits he’s adjusted his diet and preparations to assist with his longevity.

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