Mitchell Pearce has vowed to get the Sydney Roosters forwards rolling when he makes his return to the NRL against Newcastle at Allianz Stadium on Saturday.
The halfback is keen to make amends after serving an eight-game ban for his drunken Australia Day antics and has pin-pointed how the Roosters can get their horrible season back on track after one win in eight rounds.
“I think all the teams that are playing well are playing upbeat and have big forward packs,” said Pearce on the Roosters’ website on Wednesday night.
“It suits our style well, we just haven’t kicked into gear too well.”
The Roosters have struggled for direction with young halves Jackson Hastings and Jayden Nikorima playing the bulk of the season together.
Hastings, 20, will partner Pearce in the halves against the Knights.
Helping Pearce’s cause to dominate the middle is the return of inspirational Roosters prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves who is also playing his first game of the season after suffering a knee injury last year.
“I’m looking forward to having an impact with the boys in the middle of the ruck, there’s definitely a bit of speed there,” Pearce said.
“We need to start winning and winning fast, and that’s an area we can capitalise on.”
Pearce has kept a low profile since returning from a stay at a Thailand rehabilitation clinic in February.
“There was a lot of talk, a lot of media, and that’s kind of gone quiet but I’ve been doing a lot of work behind closed doors,” he said.
“I’ve got to make amends, and make amends fast.”
Steve
Guest
I'm sorry to hear that but all the more surprise at your crass comment. Be good mate
Red Dog
Guest
My mums dead genius .
Steve
Guest
Dont judge all Mums by yours mate
Red Dog
Guest
Probably a lot of mums out there that wouldn't mind a bit of ju ju action .
db
Guest
The dogs are hiding in their kennels, refusing to take the risk.
Mike Dugg
Roar Rookie
Who let the dogs out? Who, who, who, who, who?
Bulldog
Guest
The team bonding session at the Sheaf will be interesting, non? developments expected
Steve
Guest
In any other sport if a player is suspended are they able to be on the sideline so close to players? How do the Mums feel knowing he has multiple sexual type concerns and still be on the field? Do you think the ones he got busted for are the only indiscretions? If a player is suspended for his type of actions you shouldn't be allowed in any stadium for the length of the ban. Next time he's caught I hope the NRL man up and take correct action.
Red Dog
Guest
Head straight down to the TAB and put ya neighbours house on em .
Red Dog
Guest
If they can't dismantle the Knights , they are seriously done for 2016 . Look for a big score against the Knights and 11 straight after that to barge their way into the GF .
up in the north
Roar Rookie
Whaaat! Bite your tongue.
up in the north
Roar Rookie
Lots of pressure on JWH & MP. Surely they can dust Newcastle though.
Squirrel
Guest
The seasons now over MP, thanks for your contribution.
maximillian
Guest
The Roosters have a lot of young guys playing in crucial positions so his experience & leadership could be the missing ingredient. He could play his way right into the Blues with a couple of solid performances.
MAX
Guest
MP, Just Do It!
Red Dog
Guest
It would be a good thing to see MP just pull his head in and really focus on turning his life and the Roosters season around .