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.
“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.
“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.
hindsight
Guest
he'll go down in history alright * the most number of games for an average half a record which won't be broken
Muzz
Guest
Cheers Con. I laugh when the neville nobodies claim to know more than the Australian coach and selectors. Meanwhile the lowest ranked 7 in the NRL has more talent than all of us put together. Pearce and Jarryd Hayne were at Centennial Park sprint training this morning.He did the same thing last year 3 weeks after winning the GF.This, while others are kicking back in Vegas, Bali etc etc.The guy may not be the best half in the game but he works hard to be the best he can.
Chappy
Guest
No excuse, we just drop Pearce and Maloney again. And watch NSW win it again the next year without Pearce and Co and then listen to all the Pearce lovers spew garbage on why he should get another chance and how his developed his game and taken it to a new level, blah, blah, blah. I've heard it all before, has the whole world gone mad! I think I've taken crazy pills!
Elma Dudd
Guest
Me too Con. I've been on his case at times but he has stepped up a level towards the end of this year and I think the captaincy my be exactly what is needed to see him lift to another level . And to answer you question amount the amount if hate he attracts . You must be completely ignorant to be unaware that Pearce single handedly lost 8 origin series in a row :-)
Elma Dudd
Guest
And when NSW get whooped again this year with the mediocre half combination in place what's the excuse going to be then ?
jacksyd
Guest
Pearce can add 9 games in 2015 toward this achievement when excluded from origin, having been confirmed as a failure at this level.
Con Scortis
Roar Guru
I must admit Muzz that I have been very impressed with Pearce lately (have said as much a few times). His kicking and passing have improved and he's playing with a lot of passion and as you say he has improved since he started working with Alan Bell. His two solo tries against Souths in round 26 and the prelim were exceptional - not surprising because his running game has always been one of his strengths. I have been one of Peace's detractors in the past but I just don't get the degree of hate he cops. I understand that people dislike the guy and I understand why, but the level of hatred is a bit extreme.
Muzz
Guest
paul - Did you hear Pearcey won the Jack Gibson medal ? Not a bad achievement in a team full of rep players.His game has gone up another level since working with A Johns old mentor.Did you see him skin GI in the prelim? First class ! I like Hunt. His field awareness is top shelf but his decision making and 5th tackle option are poor.He's young though and fortunate enough to have Bennett as his new coach.
paul
Guest
Wts hunt done ?
Jake
Guest
Yeap, last two years have all been Pearce. Could of gone one better and not been humiliated by Souths if he had a decent kicking game. Forget SBW, JWH, guerra, Cordner, RTS, Jennings, Tupou, etc.. All Roosters Internationals and rep players. You'd think a team that boasted those names and talent would of taken out the comp? Nah, he was piggy backed through 2013, cradled through origins, NSW wins the moment he's dropped. He gets protected by a great forward pack. SBW out the door, start seeing cracks and Pearce will crumble, just like EVERY single origin he appeared in. But at least he will be carried to. 300+ games
mushi
Guest
Yep it's been a disaster getting those two minor premierships I hope the chooks are this rudderless for a long long time.
Chappy
Guest
Pearce is a myth, he played a couple of good games out of his 182 and suddenly he should be playing for a Australia, what a joke. Ben Hunt should be next in line from form and then Adam Reydnolds. Pearce lovers can Pearce off
Jordan
Guest
I also am not a Pearce fan, I seem to get the vibe he would play better at 9. He can tackle and would have to be playing off pure instinct around the ruck not giving him time to over cook things as we see often.
Jordan
Guest
I also am not a Pearce fan, I seem to get the vibe he would play better at 9. He can tackle and would have to be playing off pure instinct around the ruck not giving him time to over cook things as we see often.
Hoy
Roar Guru
I don't like Pearce, but he was playing very good footy at the end of the year. He has a great pass on him, no doubt, but he just isn't great at creating play on the hop... he doesn't have a football brain like some. He seems to need structure in his game to get things going. That could just be how I see him anyway. I think 6 is probably a good spot for him really. But then they need to find a good 7. Or in the Roosters case, a 7, because they have put up with him for a while... Again, he improved greatly at the back end of this year.
Parrafan
Guest
It's a bit early to call from Mini. Although I have to say I was pleasantly surprised to see how well he played post origin in the Roosters side. If he can keep on improving, given that 25 really isn't all that old for a half I'm sure we will see Pearce around for a number of years yet.
fiver
Guest
I reckon it will be Jarred Croker
Jake
Guest
Well if he plays over 300 games... Chooks are cooked. That at least 5 more years of a rudderless ship
Elma Dudd
Guest
The captaincy might be just what the boy needs to bring out the best in him.