Mitchell Pearce and Cameron Smith have been going head to head on the rugby league field for years. Pearce, six years younger than Smith, recently gave Cam a call to discuss all things football.
MP: Hi Cameron, its Mitchell Pearce from the Roosters.
CS: Hi Mitch, how are you mate?
MP: Good mate, I was just wondering if we could have a bit of a talk.
CS: Sure mate, I’m a bloody good talker. Have you seen me with the referees?
MP: Yeah, I have, you are pretty good at it.
CS: Anyway mate, what’s on your mind?
MP: Well, I wanted to talk about the way you play, you know, pick your brain a little so I can improve myself going into 2018.
CS: Happy to share mate, but I can’t give away any Queenslander secrets.
MP: Yeah, I know. (Pause) Are there really secrets?
CS: Mate, if only you knew. We’ve been doing the same thing for over ten years and you guys still haven’t worked it out.
MP: Oh. Right. Anyway, can I ask you something?
CS: Sure.
MP: I was watching the game against the Raiders on Saturday and you seemed to touch the ball in almost every play when you guys were in attack. Why is that?
CS: Well I reckon that’s what an organiser does, you know, takes control when his team needs composure.
MP: But don’t you get tired?
CS: Sure do, but that’s why I play footy; to get the best out of myself and do everything I can for the boys.
MP: I notice you even do it with your kicking as well, you know, finding touch just at the right time and giving the forwards a rest when they need it.
CS: That’s what I’m out there for mate, to control the game, the tempo. I’m sure you try to do the same thing Mitch.
MP: Ah….yeah……well……I try. (scratches head) Cam, how do you make the right decisions? You always seem to take the right option at the right time.
(AAP Image/David Mariuz)
CS: Couldn’t tell you mate, not something I think about. The coach has a great structure down here and we all know our role. I just throw a wink Billy’s way or nod at Cooper and we run our plays. When I feel things are running a little against us, I’ll grubber into touch or pick up the line speed. You know, just all the natural things that footballers do. Instinct really.
MP: So you just feel it?
CS: Yeah, pretty much. I’m sure you do the same.
MP: Yeah…..well I try to……but it’s hard with all the voices and instincts all talking to me at the same time.
CS: Sorry mate, what was that? You just broke up there for a minute…..I missed it…..What did you say?
MP: Ah….nothing mate, it’s alright. Mate can I ask you one more question?
CS: Sure mate, but I’ll have to be quick I want to spend a bit of time with the kids.
MP: Sure. Mate, how do you get so much respect from the squad and stamp your leadership on the group? Some of the blokes here at the Roosters reckon they are scared to death when they get into Kangaroos camp. They reckon if they stuff up they have to answer to you.
CS: True mate, I’ve had a few chats with a number of players over the years. It’s just about standards mate. Two types of standards. Firstly, on the field. You earn their respect with consistency and effort. They don’t respect me if I kick a winning field goal once a year.
They respect the tackles in the middle of the ruck, the little efforts that make the real difference, you know, the tough stuff. I’m sure the Roosters boys would say the same things about you.
MP: Yeah…….I’m sure they would. What’s the second standard?
CS: Mate it’s the person. People like decent people. People who live pretty clean, keep their nose out of trouble and just try and be a decent bloke.
MP: Really? That simple?
CS: Yep, I’m sure it’s the same up at your joint mate. The guys who clown around and let the group down, I’m sure the other guys lose a little respect for them. Makes it tough for those guys to be real leaders.
MP: Yeah…….maybe it does.
CS: It does mate, trust me. Life is less complicated than what a lot of people make it Mitch. Everybody thinks I run around with a thousand tactics and plans, to tell you the truth I just play footy mate, play footy as if I was running around the playground as a kid. Maybe I’m lucky that it comes naturally to me. You get what I’m saying mate.
MP: Yeah….sure do…..I think. Thanks for the chat Cam. Hopefully, I’ll see you at ANZ early October mate.
CS: Well I’ll be there, not sure about you. Alright mate, I better go play with those little tackers now. See ya mate. (hangs up)
(beep, beep, beep, beep)
MP: Ah……..bye mate. (pause) I have no idea what he was talking about.
Andrew
Guest
more pearce bashing. YAWN!!!!! So please tell me which play makers and hooker you couldn't throw in this scenario instead of pearce!!! That being the case, why pick on pearce???
yung
Guest
nice
William Dalton Davis
Roar Rookie
Can we use different variations of the same player? If so Inglis. Back when he was bigger than most props would dominate up front. Current Inglis can play backrow. 2014 Inglis at fullback. Young Inglis on the wings and centre. May lack a little organisation and creativity at 7 and 9 though. If not then Scott Minto.
jacksyd
Guest
Did Cameron Smith know who Mitchell Pearce was and how he got his number?
Wild Eagle
Guest
He would need size , ball skills , amazing defence, game management skills, speed, toughness, the ability to beat a man and run thru a gap and be a born winner. A largish five eight or other back with ball skills would be my pick. Fittler, Inglis or Wally Lewis spring to mind. Fittler had such a good all round game and he is my pick. I forgot about the kicking game but I still stay with Fittler
Wild Eagle
Guest
My clearest memory of Terry Lamb was when he was playing for Wests at Brookie and he was hot on the tail of John Ribot. Although he couldn't catch him the intent was as competitive as anyone I have ever seen live. I liked John Ribot better when he was a winger at the Eagles than when he was a corporate Super League deceptive prick.
matth
Guest
Johns, JT, Terry Lamb or Steve Mortimer I reckon. The last two are not current or future immortals I know, but you just knew your team would always be competitive if they were playing, sort of like Smith.
Mike L
Guest
Nat, - Best comment of the day!
Nat
Roar Guru
Another comparison as to the best player: If you could have 13 of one player on the field who would it be? Smith, Inglis, Menzies, Bozo, Fitler... ?
Albo
Guest
Yes ! While Stuart's article was a very good one and pointedly comparing the status of Smith & Pearce in today's game, he did overlook the "warts of hypocrisy" in such a comparison. Cam Smith is the greatest player I have seen in the game based on pure longevity of the highest quality performance, but he is no saint, and he has had plenty of advantages that I suspect Pearce hasn't had in his career to date.
Wild Eagle
Guest
It's a paradox perhaps that Cam Smith has achieved so much and played a million games as well as being one of the best players of all time yet Phil Blake has a much better highlights reel from just one season where he scored 27 tries. The ruthless efficiency of Smith is just so effective but it is great to see the flashy players as well. If a club could sign an exact clone of any player who has ever played the game would 1st choice be Cam Smith perhaps? Bozo would be considered as well I reckon.
AGordon
Guest
Terrific article, Stuart. I wonder how much truth there is in your last line? Pearce should not have to look past his father for advice about all the things you mentioned in your article. "Junior" epitomised all the great traits expected from a quality footballer; played it hard but fair, with skill and for 80 minutes - then was a genuine nice guy off the field. Son should be able to se this in his father - or maybe he can but thinks he knows a better path. I remain to be convinced with his fadeouts in games and his questionable personal life
Nat
Roar Guru
CS: It also helps being in AFL heartland. We would need to shoot Mick Malthouse to make the papers. MP: Really?...Huh... I had an Aust Day bender and it cost me $80k, 12 weeks rehab and my Origin jumper. CS: True? We had a guy rack lines in public, we let him decide his own punishment. MP: WOW! We had CEO's 'resign' and players sacked just for having it on them up here.
Bunney
Roar Rookie
A real insight Stuart. Loved it
Con Scortis
Roar Guru
To quote the great Bruce Lee from Enter the Dragon: "Don't think! Feeeeeeel".