A local man who refers to Mitchell Pearce as “Mr Poodle” says the Roosters should show the halfback more respect.
The man voiced his support for the aggrieved Pearce following the culmination of Cooper Cronk’s slow-motion bombshell on his future.
Cronk confirmed he will call the glamorous Eastern Suburbs home in 2018, despite sustaining an ugly cosmetic disfiguration on Friday night.
While a handy purchase, the former Storm halfback’s two-year, dubiously-valued contract leaves Pearce in limbo, a decision which has earned the ire of the public.
One local man – a long-time Blues supporter and avid user of poor grammar on fan forums – was particularly troubled, criticising the Roosters for their lack of decorum.
He claimed Pearce’s record of 238 NRL games, a premiership and 18 Origins – all of which he mercilessly bagged every step of the way – deserves better treatment.
“The Roosters’ conduct regarding Pearce is almost as bad as his ability to find the grass,” he lamented.
“Nobody deserves to be ostracised in such a way; even if you have been missing for the last decade.”
AAP Image/Action Photographics, Grant Trouville
The self-described “analyser of the game on a granular level” was unable to explain the Roosters’ mistreatment of Pearce, but guessed it was probably punishment for Laurie Daley’s sacking, or world poverty.
He also understood Pearce refuting the suggestion he could learn as Cronk’s understudy, mainly because he would “probably choke anyway”.
Manly and Newcastle have been mentioned as possible destinations should Pearce walk, which the persistently supportive man again said would be prodigiously cruel, but also convenient for his favourite pastime of creating archaically dank memes.
“I wish all the best for Pearce and pray he finds a new home,” the man said.
“In saying that, I’ll tear up my membership if my club signs him.
“Wherever he goes, let’s just hope it’s nowhere near a dog pound – am I right, guys?”
The man finally urged the Bondi club to remember Pearce is human too, and hoped this was the last time he would sustain such illogically sub-human treatment, at least until Australia Day.
He was hopeful the playmaker could use the setback of Cronk’s signing as a motivation to “spurn those Rooster haters” and achieve something significant, like finally getting good at footy.
Sava
Guest
Max. With all the WHo aah,there is only one way out of this mess for Easts . And that is sack the coach ! And with all the things that Cronk can do ,they are going to stop the ferries going to Watsons Bay as all of the Easts mob will be able to walk on water. Sava
Nat
Roar Guru
While I'm far from a Roosters fan Beastie, that's a little short sighted. There are only a few foundation clubs and the Roosters represent their region insofar as money, glamour and success. A much as 'uncle nick'is slated, he is as passionate about the chooks as any supporter anywhere and if he has the capability to keep his club successful good on him.
Greg Ambrose
Guest
I actually got the shock of my life when I discovered supporter forums and being a Manly fan it was the Silvertails forum. I was really happy when I heard Bozo was back in town to fix the place up and was just stunned at how many or most thought the exact opposite. You are spot on in your assessment of only thinking in the present. Many were looking at the roster and seeing a team full of stars capable of winning a title. It was an illusion. They are all retired now or at other clubs as fringe 1st graders bar one or two. Nepotism is a valid issue but maybe Bozo thought his offspring were genuinely the best for the job and he was prepared to cop the obvious flak coming his way. Someone is doing a great job and it is hard to refute the idea that Scott Fulton is part of it.
bearfax
Guest
I dont mean to be disrespectful of our fellow Eagle supporters, but there are always those who think only in the present and dont reflect on the past and look at the designs of the future. For example judging young players as if they should show the nous and experience of seasoned first graders is a common comment. No appreciation for the time it takes to develop. The here and now only mentality. With Fulton it was a judgement made on him for faults Manly have shown in management in recent years. Of course much of that had nothing to do with Fulton, but he ended up being linked with matters as if he was part of a cabal trying to undermine the club. My only serious complaint was he seemed to be showing too much nepotism, though I think Scott has done a fine recruiting job. But Manly fans have been hurting in the last few years and dont realises I suspect that to drag the club out of its problems of late required some hard and perhaps unpopular decisions. Like I said, many dont see the big picture issue, the past and present rather than just the here and now. Fulton did a fine job of dragging the club out of serious trouble. I suspect most supporters will come to realise that...eventually
Godragonsgo
Guest
Does anyone else get the feeling this is make or break for the Roosters. I mean forget about the individuals but this decision is one where the players must choose who to stand with. And if they decide to stand with Pearce which is probably more than likely it could see the Roosters torn apart.
Greg Ambrose
Guest
Great idea, not such a bad place to live either.
Greg Ambrose
Guest
I'm sure you would remember the appalling abuse directed at him bearfax , it was misguided and I'm glad he has left on a good note. What he did was just fantastic and some support was what the fans should have offered him as he was doing it. If Fulton and Arthurson were at the Bears instead of Manly for all this time maybe it's them who were successful and the Eagles are extinct. It's possible I reckon.
bearfax
Guest
Being critical of Bozo's actions from time to time doesnt mean we dont love and respect Manly's greatest player. He's only human. And we'll miss him taking that grandfather role so well assumed by his predecessor Ken Arthurson. Both Titans of the club.
BeastieBoy
Guest
The Roosters are one mans plaything. They have no image as a district club. A few junior teams. They have very little support in the area. They should relocate to Gosford and do it all properly. They will flourish in a growth area and Souths can pick up the slack.
souvalis
Guest
Glad you’re back Max !
Greg Ambrose
Guest
Although Green has done well at five eight he hasn't been considered for SOO for a good reason , he's not as good as Pearce. I'd be glad for him or Moylan to come to the Northern beaches. I've noticed Bozo is been shown some overdue respect on the Silvertails site, better late than never.
Buddy Holly
Guest
Every dog has its day and so will young Mitchell.
Jacko
Guest
Can we see a list of all the players being shown the door just to fit Cronk under the Salary cap????? Oh sorry its the Roosters...They dont have a cap
bearfax
Guest
The Sea Eagles would welcome you with open wings Mitch. Get out of the hen house and come and fly free on the beaches. A significant majority of fans on their Silvertails site support you heading north.
Paul
Roar Guru
It's good to see the Roosters showing loyalty to a bloke who helped win them a premiership only 4 years ago. What would be sweet is Pearce moving to another Club and either winning a premiership or finishing higher on the ladder than Easts So if Cronk doesn't deliver a premiership in his 2 years at Easts, are the guys who came up with this master plan going to sack themselves and apologise to Pearce? Yeah right.
Nat
Roar Guru
Another quality piece Dane. You touch on a valid point though. Happy to cut down the tall poppy, son of a legend, quality player at the glamour club with many reasons why he's not 'all that'. Now he the perceived victim...
John
Guest
Could be a master stroke from QLD, if Pearce remains and plays 5/8 and convinces others he has brought his game up to another level by playing alongside Cronk, it could be enough to secure him another SoO berth. I think that's secretly why all NSW supporters are saying he should leave Roosters.
matth
Guest
Everyone has this all wrong. This is a masterstroke by the NSW football hierarchy. I assume Cooper Cronk will have to retire from representative football to collect his $2M. At the same time Pearce is demoted to the bench or to Newcastle, meaning he won't be picked as half for NSW. And the only series in the past 10 years where NSW won was when both Cronk and Pearce were missing. It's brilliant.
Julian King
Roar Guru
240 games, 18 origins, a premiership and about to enter my prime. Yep I'm more than happy to do "what's best for the team".
Hard Yards
Roar Rookie
We only have to do that when the Roosters club comes out and declares, " Mitchell enjoys our full confidence and support".