It’s baffling that New South Wales Blues coach Laurie Daley has guaranteed Sydney Roosters halfback Mitchell Pearce the number 7 jersey for the 2013 State of Origin series.
Origin I will be played at ANZ Stadium in Homebush on June 5th, yet debutant coach Daley anointed Pearce as his halfback before the NRL season had even kicked off.
For those counting at home, that’s over twelve weeks before the opening game of the series.
So over three months out before the opening Origin game, and before even a second of NRL football had been played, the Blues had already selected their starting halfback. Does anyone else think this is complete madness?
If this was the Queensland Maroons, it would make sense. When you win seven series in a row, its safe to assume that your halfback will get the nod again.
But we’re talking about New South Wales; a team in the midst of a record setting succession of losses. Surely no one’s position should be guaranteed when you’ve lost seven series in a row?
Yet what I find most baffling about this decision is that it’s Mitchell Pearce getting the royal treatment.
If it was Andrew Johns, no one would bat an eyelid, for he would deservingly be an automatic selection anyway.
Pearce has played in four losing Origin campaigns, never won an Origin series, and hasn’t exactly set the world on fire at state level.
Paul Gallen guaranteed an Origin spot? Few could argue with that. The man has been colossal for the Blues, and has turned in some of the most remarkable and memorable Origin performances of all time.
Regardless of his form at club level, Jarryd Hayne has always produced for NSW. He strikes fear into the heart of every Queenslander, and has earned the right to receive a sky blue jumper every representative season.
I could easily be talked into Robbie Farah joining Gallen and Hayne based on his superb 2012 series, but even then, I tend to think he probably needs more than one great series under his belt before he receives ‘automatic selection’ status.
Unfortunately, after those three players, no other Blue should be ‘guaranteed’ a position.
Especially Mitchell Pearce.
This is what I wrote at the conclusion of the 2012 State of Origin series:
“You’d have to think Mitchell Pearce would be at long odds to get another shot at Origin next year.
“All series long, in the most important position on the park, Pearce offered little in attack. He rarely threatened the line, had no dynamism or subtlety with his passing, and his kicking lacked variety, skill and precision.
“In fact, it was interesting to notice the Blues utilise different kickers in attack last night, particularly Robbie Farah and Jarryd Hayne. What does it say about your halfback when the hooker and winger are preferred options with the boot?
Pearce supporters point to his defence when they argue his case for selection. However, he missed plenty of tackles in this series, and none were more costly than his miss on Johnathan Thurston in the first half, which led to a crucial Maroons try seconds later.
“Despite never really nailing down his spot, Pearce has played halfback for the Blues since game three in 2008. And yet he is still to guide his team to a series win.
While the reason for the Blues lack of success cannot be attributed to just one player, Pearce can’t continue to be given a free ride in the number seven jersey when his performances for NSW do not warrant it.”
Unfortunately, it seems the lessons from last year have gone unheeded.
The need for loyalty and continuity are simply not valid arguments. Surely that loyalty has to be earned?
When it comes to continuity, Albert Einstein is sometimes quoted as saying that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, and expecting a different result.
Perhaps that’s why I used the word ‘madness’ earlier.
If Pearce started this season strongly, with his performances demanding that he be selected, I could somewhat understand him getting another crack at Queensland. However, he was anointed before the season had even begun and any sense of form could be adjudicated upon.
Apart from the lunacy of selecting a previously underperforming player before the season has even started, there is also the concern of what message it sends.
To every other eligible halfback, it suggests their form is irrelevant, as the position has been selected already.
To Mitchell Pearce, it tells him that he is the Golden Child, and that his below average performances so far at Origin level are acceptable.
Yep, that sounds like the recipe to beat the Maroons.
Nathan
Guest
I have posted this on another blog but I think it fits the subject here too. I could not agree more with everything you have said about Mitchell Pearce ! Finally someone has come out and said it like it is ! I have being saying this for years about him and I’m a Queensland supporter. I call Pearce the second Braith Anasta – It doesn’t matter how he plays or what he does, he still gets picked and still gets the money ( either at club or origin level ) It really is a joke. I’ve come to the conclusion that Lawrie Daley must be scared of Wayne Pearce – scared not to pick his son. Why has Pearce had so many chances?! Why haven’t they given Jarrod Mullen, Peter Wallace or other halfbacks as many chances as Pearce, or given NATURALLY TALENTED halfbacks such as Adam Reynolds or Tyrone Roberts a chance?! The up and coming Luke Brooks has more talent in his little finger than Pearce does in his whole body !! At the Roosters, I’ve observed that James Molony seems to do all the breaking of the line and setting up like a half should, he seems quite talented to me. Another thing I don’t get is how Daley comes out and says he is his number 1 choice at halfback. Again, it seems like Daley is scared not to show his support for Pearce and scared not to pick him, it’s as if Pearce can do no wrong! His team mates come out in interviews and talk him up like as if he’s about to explode and become an “amazing halfback “ but nothing ever really happens, Pearce is as “good “as he ever will be. If you actually watch what Pearce does in a game, I’ve observed that he always mostly just passes, then trots along after the ball, waiting for someone else to make a break and then backs up and sometimes scores a try. I can’t remember seeing him run like a natural halfback and step through the line. The fact is Pearce is not a natural halfback at all. He, at best is a manufactured halfback who has been given chances and talked up his whole playing career. Anyway, while ever they keep giving him the jumpers and the money, he will continue to lap it up. As a Queensland supporter I just laugh but also scratch my head every time they pick him.
Rachel
Guest
Couldn't agree with you more Ryan. I think Daley needs to take off the blinders and get rid of Pearce, I would suggest Josh Reynolds as five eigth and Trent Hodkinson as halfback. Its a win win for NSW with the way Reynolds & Hodkinson play together. We saw it last week when my Bulldogs took on the Roosters. Regardless what team I go for I feel Daley needs to stick with Gallen, Hayne, J Morris and Farrah and get 2 new halves. We need a good halfback and goal kicker and Hodkinson ticks all the boxes. Yes he hasn't played for NSW before but it would be great to see a young guy be given the opportunity for the efforts they have put in. Even Adam Reynolds deserves a chance too but J Reynolds / Hodkinson work well together. So I say give them a go :)
Leaguerant
Guest
Bring Carney in -- Comment from The Roar's iPhone app.
Chris
Guest
I can't believe Daley has picked Mitchell Pearce for halfback he might play ok at club level but he can never pick up for big games especially origin how are we suppost to win origin when they the selectors will not pick the best players
Tru Blu
Guest
You're kidding??? The Blues pack has outplayed their counterparts on plenty of occasions only to be let down by Pearce' awful kicking game. Good players like Gallen, Hayne, and Farrah have won MOM, man of series, & players player awards even when they've lost. Pearce has been outplayed by his opposite even when the Blues won.
wozza
Guest
Its a bit hard for a halfback to excel behind a beaten pack if forwards
Charles NSW
Guest
I have the same thought in the backline except for some concern on Reynolds. He is very capable but worried he may get burnt out as so many have before him. However he is far better then Pearce so if it is between the two I would put in Reynolds.
Jonah Anthony
Guest
If I was the sole selector of the New South Wales Origin Team. 1. Brett Stewart- Defensively one of the best fullback's in the game. He isn't called the Snake for no reason, he looms up in attack and if Tamou or Gallen can get that arm free, the Maroons would be in for a long night at the office. 2. Nathan Merritt- Scores in almost every game he plays, he can also save a 4-pointer. He has deserved an opportunity for ages, and I would personally throw him a jumper. 3. Jarryd Hayne- He needs to be there, time and time again, he proves himself at Origin level, regardless of how his club form has been going. Terrific footwork, sound in defence, and has some great playmaking skills. I'd put him in the centres. 4. Josh Morris- Kept Greg Inglis very quiet in last years' series. Has some serious speed, and is a damaging ball runner, terrific when scooting out of acting half. 5. Brett Morris- Finds the line, great finisher, fires up in defence, very reliable. A terrific all-round winger. 6. James Maloney- Been around the representative scene for a while now, but has never been given the opportunity to represent the Blues. Smart kicking game, defensively sound. Great passing game which could put the outside men into gaps, the ideal 5/8 for Origin. 7. Adam Reynolds (gk)- All of his kicks are perfect, has some terrific creativity with the ball in hand, good in defence, terrific goal kicker. No disrespect to Mitchell Pearce, but at the moment, I think Reynolds is the better option. 8. Willie Mason- Experience, experience, experience. Big, hard hitting, passionate, I think big Willie should be one of our front-rowers this series, the Maroons would hate that. He's in terrific form for Newcastle. 9. Robbie Farah- Instrumental in every team he plays in, whether it's the Tigers, City or New South Wales. He has terrific leadership skills, works tirelessly in defence and displays great passion, the perfect hooker for the job at hand. 10. James Tamou- Gains yards in every run he makes, works hard in defence. Should be the first prop picked in every Representative side. Can play extensive game time. 11. Greg Bird- Unbelievably passionate, probably the best second rower in the game that springs to mind. defensively brilliant. Always looks for the offload, terrific at weaving in and out of tackles. 12. Anthony Watmough- Hits hard, always looks for action, gains yards every time he runs the ball, fires up and has a go. 13. Paul Gallen (c)- I initially had Gallen at prop, and I wouldn't be disappointed if he is chosen there, as I think he is a better option than a few other front rowers running around the game today, can play 80 minutes if required, works his backside of in defence and attack, and is the most reliable player in the game. The Interchange Bench: 14. Josh Reynolds- Will provide that spark later in the game, either in the halves or at hooker, always break tackles, terrific in defence and just won't let the Maroons settle. Has to be picked in my opinion. 15. Luke Lewis- When used correctly, one of the best versatile players in the game, throws his body at the opponent and always rises to the occasion, could play out wide or in the second row, and if push comes to shove he could play in the halves. In any situation, I would want this man in my team. 16. Jamal Idris- Centre or second rower, he plays good football at the Titans and should have played more representative footy by now. Defensively one of the best, and is a damaging ball runner, I believe he would step up for the Origin stage. 17. Andrew Fifita- We need a big, hard running, try scoring, metre gaining machine. We would get that in Andrew Fifita, he is playing terrific football at the Sharks, I think the Maroons would need to harden up the middle to stop this big man. 18th Man- Ryan Hoffman- In all honesty, if Hoffman got one of the second rower spots, I would not be disappointed. He runs good lines, tackles hard and displays disappointment in himself every time he lets the team down, (which isn't very often). Reliable, solid and has some good leadership skills.
Jonah Anthony
Roar Rookie
Maloney at 5/8. Reynolds at half back. Recipe for success.
The Spectator
Roar Guru
1-B Stewart , if fit otherwise were stuffed. 2-B Morris 3-M Jennings 4-J Morris 5-J Hayne 6- Maloney, is proving a problem for Carney who needs a good 3 dominate games to retain his pos. 7- M Pearce, no one has stood out enough to dislodge Pearce. 8-A Woods, im not sure Grant will retain his place with the rise of Woods. 9-R Farrah 10-J Tamou 11-A Whatmough 12-G Bird 13-P Gallen RES- L Lewis, T Merrin, J Buhrer, T Williams, Every NSW fan should be praying to the footy Gods that T REX finds form in the next 2-3 weeks as he could be the difference between winning and losing, in form T REX suggest's winning. J Buhrer, i know he hasnt stood out at all in origin when used however he is so versatile and his defence is as good as Manlys, use him as a shooter when he comes on running off Gallen and Merrin's hips all night, we know Gallen and Merrin will get some off loads so allocate a runner to link off them and onto B Srewart, theres anywhere between 10 -20 points in that strategy alone. This is more than likely the side that will be picked if all are in form, I do like Idris this year and would like to see him lift in the next few rounds as well as R James.
The Spectator
Roar Guru
Does anyone want to talk about how well our 5/8's have been doing ????
Jared hopley
Guest
The team should be if fit. Hayne, Merritt, Jennings, JMorris, BMorris, JReynolds, AReynolds, Tamou, Farah, Gallen, Bird, Watmough, Lewis. Bench: Woods, TSims, Fensom, Gidley. Unlucky to miss the cut would be BStewart, Uate, Maloney, Tolman and TRex.
Hez
Roar Rookie
Pretty certain Stewart is carrying an injury? So absurd.
Timbosivic
Guest
Totally agree with the sentiments if this article. Pearce is even more overrated than Anasta ever was in my opinion. He's no better than Soward. Frankly I am astonished he is an automatic selection. Reynolds runs rings around Pearce any day if the week. Clearly politics are playing a role and I'm already very worried about Daley as coach. You get the feeling QLD would be loving seeing Pearce's name on the team sheet. -- Comment from The Roar's iPhone app.
Angy Bird
Guest
OMG SMAZ Why dont you pick this team 1. Hayne 2 Morris 3 Alex McKinnon 4 Timana Tahu 5 Akuila Uate 6 Jarrod Mullen 7 Tyrone Roberts 8 Kade Snowden 9 Kurt Gidley (c) 10 Willie Mason 11 Robbie Rochow 12 Chris Houston 13 Adam Cuthbertson 14 Maloney 15 Merrin 16 T Rex 17 Grant Than you could invite Wayne Bennett in as Coach, Have Paul Harrigan, and Joey Johns present the Team Jerseys, Matty Johns can run the drinks and why not Change the team colours to Red and Blue and move Game 1 to Hunter Stadium. Robbie O'Davis · NSW Media Manager Darren Albert · NSW Bus Driver Adam MacDougall · NSW physio Owen Craigie · Chief Meat Pie Eater Mark Hughes · Ball Boy Tony Butterfield · Defensive Coach Bill Peden · Conditioning Wayne Richards · Bag Boy Adam Muir · Publistist Marc Glanville- Chef Hell why not ask Nathan Tinkler to get on board, he could help the players invest their match payments!
Charles NSW
Guest
Soward certainly had to prove himself in the next few weeks for him to be considered. However it highlights your point Ryan. Why shut the door on him or anyone else by declaring who you are selecting before they have had time to prove themselves. Personally based on Mitchell Pearce performance I would put Soward ahead anyway. I think he offers more!
Ryan O'Connell
Expert
Cheers Chappy. But there are no idiots here, mate, just people will differing points of view.
Ryan O'Connell
Expert
Agreed. Especially before you can be guaranteed your spot.
Ryan O'Connell
Expert
I'd like to see a bit more from Soward this season before he can demand selection, but I think I'd prefer him to Pearce.
Jaiden Florimo
Roar Rookie
When you are a halfback, you need to have a better record than 2 from 9 at Origin level.