Mitchell Pearce has always had his detractors, but I have a hunch he will have a whole batch of new supporters after tomorrow night’s Origin series opener at ANZ Stadium.
The NSW Blues halfback has had nine chances to establish his credentials in the fiercest competition in rugby league and I believe everything is set up for him to take his game to a new level.
For starters, Mitchell has had the staunch backing of incoming coach Laurie Daley all season and that has got to count for a lot. When the boss wants you as his key man, your confidence soars and you tend to play accordingly.
Secondly, Pearce’s NRL form has been first class for the well-performed Roosters, and even his harshest critics must admit that he’s doing plenty of things perfectly and deserves his spot in Game 1 of the 33rd best-of-three State of Origin showpiece.
I also think that having his club-mate James Maloney playing alongside him will give Pearce added confidence. Watch for him to drive the Blues’ attack with great assurance tomorrow night – this is his time.
And speaking of assurance and confidence, I’m tipping the NSW boys to get the verdict by six points.
I think the team the selectors named is the right one from fullback to prop and right along the interchange bench.
This Blues team is ready to bring down one of the greatest rugby league combinations we have ever seen.
The boys have bided their time – seven series losses is a sorry statistic if you have blue blood – but last year’s efforts under Ricky Stuart were fantastic and we lost by a whisker, one lousy point proving the difference.
The core from that team will be shaping up tomorrow night along with four debutants – Blake Ferguson, James Maloney, Andrew Fifita and Josh Reynolds.
I really like what this quartet will bring to the Blues’ challenge. Each has been in exceptional club form and when you really get down to it, each can prove to be the match-winner on the night.
NSW has two home games this year and that vital component – the crowd factor – should give the Blues the advantage they have craved for too long.
With the team they have chosen, I suspect NSW will take on the Maroons up the middle before spinning the ball wide to any number of attacking weapons.
It’s going to be as physical as ever, there will be plenty of feeling displayed from both teams. I can hardly wait until the kick-off; something special is about to unfold.
Don’t think for a moment that I have disregarded Queensland’s chances. No way!
They haven’t won seven straight series by chance – they have a fantastic team which contains guys who have won the Dally M, Golden Boot, Clive Churchill Medal, premiership titles, and the list goes on, and on.
But the fact remains that the Maroons are getting on in years. And some of their superstar category performers haven’t been in the stellar class in recent times.
I am excited that young players such as Ferguson, Fifita, Maloney and Reynolds have been recognised for their consistent club form.
And I am prepared to say that each player will have a bearing on a telling NSW victory.
If you are going to the game or plan to catch it on TV or radio, I hope you enjoy the occasion.
State of Origin matches are not games. They are season, and often career-defining events.
Go you mighty Blues!
Steven Tandale
Guest
REgardless of who plays No. 7 for NSW, QLD backs will do the job for Game 1, led by non other than best ever No. 7 in the business, Thurston tomorrow night. QLD by 6.
James
Guest
The best 5/8 in NSW or half is Todd Carney, his skills are levels above the other halves from NSW.If He can't carry Pearce they should of put NSW best number 7 Adam Reynolds there, instead of having Maloney at 6 cause he will help Pearces game. But good luck to Pearce I hope you can prove me wrong mate. Good luck NSW. Surely if they Lose game 1 Adam Reynolds will get his shot at 7, and Bozo will be honourabley discharged from making any more selection nightmares.
Tater69
Guest
I have the answer for a Blues win. I've managed to get to three SOO games live and NSW won all three, much to my horror. So if you want the Blues to win, pitch in and fly me down to see the games live! -- Comment from The Roar's iPhone app.
mushi
Roar Guru
I get the impression that the blues team would get more respect playing in Brisbane. All you hear is NSW "fans" ripping into their team.
damoinaus
Roar Pro
As much as I desperately want the Blues to win the series...it's a shame that the selectors would justify all future selections of M. Pearce based on a victorious 2013 campaign (if we were to win). All the past flops, his poor form at club level, his weak kicking game, his inability to force a repeat set, his tendency to go missing when under fire....all will be forgotten because the Blues did it in 2013. What am I thinking? Even if we lose, Daley and Bozo will still find a way to give him a blue jumper somehow.
Nick
Roar Guru
Quite correct. He (and the selectors) will pin all the blame on James Moloney instead, and replace him with Todd Carney.
BlueBloods
Guest
It'll be interesting to see if Pearce fails miserably in game 1 because Daley will be left with the possibility of debutising A Reynolds at the Suncorp cauldron. Daley simply won't do it.
Mac
Guest
No matter how many fluff pieces get written about Mitch Pearce to try and convince the public he is the man for the job the fact is it's not going to make him play any better come game time. I'm a Roosters and NSW supporter but time and time again he has shown he does not possess the talent or the skill to be successful at this level and even this year his kicking game is still woeful. I think that the Blues can win this series but it will be in spite of Pearce's best efforts. If he is smart he will give good clean service to his backs and leave the kicking to farah. Maloney and Hayne. Just don't expect anything different from what he has produced in the past because it ain't gonna happen...
fishes
Guest
Everyone in NSW talking up Mitchell Pearce is exactly that- all talk. I'm not convinced he isn't a dud. For Queensland it's always about action. That's why NSW is looking down the barrel of 8 straight losses. I hope I'm proven wrong and for NSW's sake Pearce makes a difference. But if he doesn't, surely, surely it is his last chance.
Lebman
Guest
Really...does anyone take Mitchell Pearce seriously, other than the most well organised fan club in sporting history....the Channel 9 commentary team!! The smartest thing Mitchell Pearce ever did was choose his father, where in the father-son connection is heavily traded on. Wayne was one of boys, one of the lads....and therfore Mitchell is one of the lads. Thats the logic behind his selection. He is just an average first grade half back...sure he's tough but his lateral vision is poor and passes way to early before the line. And lets not even talk about his kicking game which is pedestrian. Not for me.
db swannie
Guest
Steve .you stated this. "Secondly, Pearce’s NRL form has been first class for the well-performed Roosters, and even his harshest critics must admit that he’s doing plenty of things perfectly and deserves his spot in Game 1 of the 33rd best-of-three State of Origin showpiece.". I believe the Roosters are doing well because of Maloney & SBW.Mythcell has not got one extra weapon in his very small arsenal than he had last yr. His short kicking game is woeful ,In pressure games ,he misses vital tackles.,But most of all his inability to get repeat sets & keep pressure on Means that NSW turn the ball over meekly to QLD.. & I think you will find that there are far more people out there who want A.Reynolds there .He has an excellent kicking game. In short .Pearce has been found out many times ,yet somehow he is going to magically aquire a lot of new playmaking skills. I don't think so.
Charles NSW
Guest
It is the right of a coach to select the best team available that suits his game plan. However I for one thinks he is wrong to choose Pearce as their are others that can do better. Last time I saw Pearce on TV he missed three tackles one after the other. He is not an Origin player and will need the other players to make up for his ability. Irrespective of how the fans think, Daley has chosen his team and we have to wear that. However if he fails in the very first game he should be hanged out to dry. There are no more excuses for NSW none what so ever.
turbodewd
Guest
Steve, Zeus I hope youre right. In the game in Melb last year Ill never forget how Pearce launched 4 bombs in Tate's direction - he defused all 4. Surely Pearce after 2 attempts would have had the creativity to concoct something else that night....
Bearfax
Guest
Though it would be great for NSW if what you are suggesting comes true Steve. But I sense a QLD victory by ten or more. NSW looks solid in the forwards and possibly a match for Qlds group. But in the backs I just cant see NSW matching the brilliance of the QLD backline, which has some of the very best players playing the game. Pearse has been the darling of the media since he first appeared on the scenes. Why. Partly because of his father, partly because Sydney City is the media's Sydney favourite. And he is a competent, stable and strong half, who does some good things and one of the better premiership halves. But is he up to Cronk's level. No way. Could Adama Reynolds do a better job. Probably. Pearse is a solid safe hard working half. But he doesnt have that ability by himself to turn the game on its head. Thurston, Carney, even Sutton can turn a game around by a succession of brilliant plays and that's what NSW needs. Moroney is clever but I dont think he has the spontaneous skill of Carney. For me I think Daley has gone for safe and predictable, which is what Pearse is. He's solid. But I very much doubt he's going to e a game changer, and that is what NSW are lacking. Slater, Ingliss, Thurston. They are often game changers in matches.. In NSW, Hayne could be a game changer, Jennings now and then. But that's about it. As I said I hope I am proven wrong here, but my gut says QLD by 12
smithha
Roar Pro
Pearce v Reynolds.... The argument that myself and my housemate were continually having leading up to the squad selections. Pearce's main weakness in SOO was his kicking, and apparantly Maloney, Hayne and Farrah will be 'lightening his load'. His defence and ball running are excellent. With Maloney outside him, he will feel right at home. I am a proud Queenslander, but NSW will take game 1 on the back of a standout effort from their number 7....I am also a Roosters fan.
Nick
Roar Guru
Mitchell Pearce got schooled by Melbourne two weekends ago. Funnily enough he was schooled by three of the four that will rock up on Wednesday night, with JT rounding of the quartet. Pearce's ego forbids him from correcting his flaws in time.
Zaccaaa
Guest
AGREE WITH STEVE TURNER
Aduardo
Guest
It seems like the NSW media is 'building a case' for Mitchell Pearce. Why is that? Its like everybody needs to talk themselves into believing that Pearce is the man.......
BlueBloods
Guest
Pearce has got the nod so we can only hope he does the job on his 9th go at it. Becausec NSW desperately needs everyone to be at their best, actually play above their best, to beat Qld.