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Pearce's big mistake will cost him, but what about his coach?

The Roosters take on the Eels in a split round of NRL action. (Action Photographics, Renee McKay)
Roar Pro
27th January, 2016
2

You can always count on rugby league. It provides the best athletes, the greatest plays and sadly the dumbest young men on the drink.

Mitchell Pearce is sadly just another one of the examples of league players doing stupid things when on the drink.

While he is probably unlucky that he struck a cameraman, Pearce, as both a long-time player and club captain, should have known that the drink was his kryptonite.

While there is no doubt a severe punishment will be delivered, the biggest question is what impact this will have on the Roosters.

More Mitchell Pearce:
» The new and improved NRL Code of Conduct
» Mitchell Pearce speaks for first time following Australia Day scandal
» Whatever Pearce’s punishment, make sure he learns from it
» Pearce faces anxious wait on NRL career
» Roosters stand down disgraced captain Mitchell Pearce
» Footage emerges of Pearce simulating sex act with a dog

Firstly, they lose their experienced halfback who has over 200 games to his name.

Secondly, they lose an experienced leader whose value would have been immense considering the young age of many in his side this season.

The third consequence may well involve the coach. Is Trent Robinson in danger?

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The Roosters are an interesting club to examine when addressing player behaviour.

On the positive side is the work that has been done with Blake Ferguson and Jake Friend. Both players are pin up boys for that long held rugby league belief that every man deserves a second chance.

Sadly though the negative side tends to be much larger. While Pearce is the obvious addition to the list, there are a few more to emerge from the past 18 months.

There are the obvious, like Shaun Kenny-Dowall, who is still awaiting court proceedings for domestic violence-related charges. There was Michael Jennings who thought he would hone his kung fu skills by practising on a boom gate.

Jennings is now at Parramatta.

Then there are the not so obvious. Willis Meehan was let go by the Roosters after repeated acts of indiscretion. There were players involved in other bad behaviour during this period as well.

With this lack of respect for even the most basic social responsibilities, eyes must turn to the coach.

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Robinson is reported to have allowed his playing group the right to make responsible social decisions.

This can be seen as admirable by Robinson. However, it appears his faith has been misplaced.

It must be disheartening for Robinson that one of his leaders has found trouble. Worse still, is the fact that other players, including new recruits, were found to be in the room as well.

In the end, Pearce will cop what’s coming to him. Robinsion must hope that eyes then don’t turn his way.

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