Mitchell Pearce has shouldered the blame for the Sydney Roosters’ 2016 fall from grace, accepting his Australia Day embarrassment had wrought a big toll on the club.
The former NSW Origin playmaker admits that he should wear a lot of the responsibility after his side slid from minor premiers to 15th this NRL season.
The Roosters limped out of the blocks after Pearce was banned for eight weeks and sent to rehab to address personal problems following the emergence of the now infamous video of him simulating a sexual act with a dog.
“I had a lot of regret and a lot of shame, a lot of stuff going on for a long time and that didn’t go away until I started to come back,” Pearce told the Locker Room podcast.
“To be honest I still don’t feel comfortable about it. We finished second last, I was a big reason for that.”
While injuries to Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Boyd Cordner as well as the departures of James Maloney and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck played their part in the side’s slow start, Pearce said he had owned up to his failures.
Pearce was fined $125,000 and ultimately lost his State of Origin jumper as a result of the scandal.
The Roosters regained some semblance of form at the back end of the year, winning three of their last six – including against Brisbane and North Queensland – to salvage something from an otherwise forgettable year.
The 27-year-old admitted that he had a point to prove in 2017 and wanted to demonstrate he was a changed man.
“For me I learnt my lesson, I thought I came back and played really good footy but I think I’ve got a big year ahead of me,” he said.
“Not because I owe anything … But I’ve got to earn respect back and really ram home that you’ve learnt your lesson.”
Dutski
Roar Guru
While I'm happy for Pearce to play for the Roosters (yeah, you got me) I do think playing him out of position in Origin's a risk. Yeah, he's a solid defender and has a good pass, no doubt. But Wallace has a season of hooker under his belt. But if the Blues don;t take some risks then we know where that ends. I'd rather see the Blues lose trying something than lose sticking with a formula that has been shown not to work.
Magnus M. Østergaard
Roar Guru
You just don't want to lose him for Origin Dutski......;P It was a suggestion becuase there isn't really a stand out for Hooker for NSw and if they want to move forward from Farah, but aren't confident in Peats or Rein, then there are always 30 or 40 halves battling for spots for NSW: Austin, Sezer, Hodkinson, Jeynolds, Reynolds, Pearce, Moses, Moylan, Maloney, Bird, Wallace, Townsend. Out of these I would say Jeynolds, Pearce, Hodko and Wallace seem apt to play Hooker.
Dutski
Roar Guru
Tipping Pearce to really step up this year. Look for him to lead by example on the field and be invisible off it.
Dutski
Roar Guru
If you want a half turned hooker for Origin, why not Peter Wallace? Looked real good for the Panthers this year and has origin experience. Besides, anyone who can play an entire half of a state of origin after rupturing a testicle has plenty of... er.. guts.
Hard Yards
Roar Rookie
Yep. With luck the apple hasn't fallen far from the tree. His old man, Junior, was an inspiration to young men everywhere. Get stuck into it son and make your old man, and yourself, proud of your conduct on and off the field. As Arnold says, 'You can do it'. Actually if he overcomes his demons he'll be a real hero.
Oingo Boingo
Guest
Someone suggested on here that he be selected at 9 for NSW , I think that would be a worthwhile experiment if he is going well after a few rounds . The other option has failed year in year out for the last seven or so , so perhaps a change in thinking is needed. Regardless let's hope the boy gets his sheet together once and for all now .
Diplomatt
Guest
Onya Pearcey, put a bit more pressure on yourself.
MAX
Guest
Mitchell, you have stretched 'forgiveness' to the limit. No more 'gunna' talk. Just do it. Thousands of us want to see you succeed...and you will.