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Pearce's blues is NSW's blessing in disguise

Josh1998 new author
Roar Rookie
28th January, 2016
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Mitchell Pearce (AAP Image/Paul Miller)
Josh1998 new author
Roar Rookie
28th January, 2016
54
2102 Reads

Mitchell Pearce has been stood down by the Sydney Roosters and his rugby league career is in serious doubt following an alcohol-fuelled incident on Australia Day.

The Roosters halfback looks set to be stripped of his captaincy and issued a significant fine as the club decides whether to sack or suspend their leader. In addition, Pearce’s latest misdemeanour will almost certainly see him dropped from the Blues this year.

Pearce has clearly violated the hardline stance held by Blues coach Laurie Daley against off-field indiscretions, which was adopted in a bid to change the culture of his side. This saw Daley issue a warning three years ago to all prospective NSW players, setting a precedent which saw Josh Dugan and James Tamou stood down for their own behavioural problems.

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

Ironically, Pearce is no stranger to Daley’s discipline – he was dropped in 2014 for a separate alcohol-related incident – and now, two years later, is set to be stripped once more of his representative honours.

While it may come at a cost to Pearce, his punishment could see the Blues win just their second State of Origin title in eleven years.

Pearce’s NSW career has been underwhelming at best, the Roosters halfback largely unable to replicate the form that warrants his initial selection. His ability to challenge and threaten defensive lines with footwork and pace is often non-existent in a Blues jumper.

In his first twelve Origin games, Pearce touched the ball six hundred and sixteen times, yet broke the line only twice. Both his passing and kicking games have also been found wanting when in NSW colours.

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This is not to mention the countless times Pearce has been terrorised by a Greg Inglis fend, or the sledge he will forever regret, calling Johnathan Thurston “too old” only to be completely outclassed by the 2015 Player of the Year in the series decider.

Given this much-maligned Origin career, and in light of his recent actions, there are some who wouldn’t be too sad to see him go.

Should Pearce be axed, former Blues half Josh Reynolds, Canberra No.6 Blake Austin and Sharks signing James Maloney loom as strong candidates for his replacement. Each contender would bring their own characteristics to the playmaking role, and would play a crucial part in leading the Blues away from their 52-6 demolition at the hands of Queensland last year.

Reynolds has adopted three pre-season initiatives that reflect a newfound maturity as a player: removing himself from unhelpful friends, implementing measures to manage his anger and trying not to dwell on past performances. This, coupled with his distinctive determination and doggedness, would serve him well if selected again for the Blues. His combination with incumbent NSW halfback Trent Hodkinson (although weakened by Hodkinson’s move to the Knights) will also hold some sway over Daley’s choice of five-eighth.

Blake Austin staked a strong claim last year for an Origin berth, which will only be bolstered after he was named in the Emerging Blues squad earlier this month. His unpredictability, energy and ball-running ability received the backing of former NSW halfback Brett Kimmorley, who believes the Canberra pivot is the man for the job.

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“…he’s just a natural footy player,” Kimmorley told the Sydney Morning Herald.

“…you need someone different to create some spark and energy, and Blake’s that person.”

Perhaps the most unlucky halves contender however, is James Maloney. A proven performer on the representative stage, Maloney lost his Blues jersey not through a slump in personal form, but as a result of Pearce’s first Origin suspension. His running, kicking and goalkicking games are as strong now as they were in 2013, and if Pearce were to be axed this year, it would be ironic and fitting for Maloney to lead the Blues to a series win.

It is not yet apparent whom Daley will choose as his five-eighth this season. What is clear, however, is that Mitchell Pearce’s future now hangs by a thread. His second off-field indiscretion looks set to yield just as imposing a punishment as his first, which may well signal the end for the Roosters captain.

No one wants to hear of off-field misdemeanours, especially those that jeopardise a player’s career. But with the end of Mitchell Pearce comes the beginning of a new halves pairing, and the beginning of a new era for Laurie Daley’s men.

Pearce’s blues might be NSW’s blessing in disguise.

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