Halfback Nathan Cleary is poised to miss State of Origin game three due to an ankle injury with Penrith medical staff expecting him to miss a month of action.
Mitchell Pearce has put his hand up to replace Nathan Cleary for the State of Origin decider after the NSW playmaker was ruled out for up to a month.
Cleary is all but out for the July 10 clash at ANZ Stadium after he was on Tuesday diagnosed with a lateral ankle injury.
While he avoided surgery, he is long odds to take his place for game three with coach Brad Fittler set to name his side after this weekend’s round of the NRL.
Wade Graham appears the likely candidate to partner James Maloney in the NSW halves after the Cronulla back-rower’s superb performance filling in for Cleary in the second half of NSW’s 38-6 win in Perth.
Maloney has backed a recall for former teammate Pearce, who was tipped to be brought in for game two before he was ruled out with groin and hip injuries.
Pearce on Tuesday disputed rumours that he had turned down the Blues jersey, after also being unavailable for game one because of injury.
“I put my hand up for the last game too – all this conjecture about that – obviously I’d love to play,” Pearce said.
“They obviously just had a massive win and I’m not too sure which way they’d be looking.
“But, yes, of course.”
Cleary suffered the injury in the first half of the Blues’ resounding game two win over Queensland on Sunday but failed to take the field in the final 40 minutes.
The Panthers said the injury was high grade and he is expected to miss up to four weeks.
Pearce will have a final chance to push for NSW’s No.7 jersey on Saturday during Newcastle’s match with Brisbane at McDonald Jones Stadium.
“The injury feels good. It was a decent cork, I had a slight hip strain that was bugging me for a few weeks,” he said.
“The reason I wasn’t able to participate in (Origin II), which was hard to watch, I wouldn’t have been able to train until later in the week and I explained that to the people that mattered.
“I had a light run on Saturday. The freshen up has been good for the whole group and for myself personally.”\
Big Daddy
Guest
I wouldn't have Pearce at any cost. But looking at Freddie s selection criteria anything can happen . Let's not give him a chance to be in a winning SOO side which he thinks he deserves. He's had his chance many times. He probably thinks if he plays and they win he should be next australian half back.
Pickett
Guest
Keary still out injured. Won't be back in time unfortunately.
Rob
Guest
Surely if Keary comes back in Rd16 and has a blinder he goes straight in?
Ray Paks
Roar Rookie
Oh no not Pearce! Keary or Whighton to partner Maloney.
Adam Bagnall
Roar Guru
Not at Origin level. He's won something like 3 from 17. It needs to be Wade Graham or Luke Keary
Don
Roar Rookie
I reckon they will be a little nervous still about Graham at 6 even after game 2. That was a uniquely dominant match for NSW and fed into Graham’s performance. If they expect that again it could backfire. For that reason I think they will still be looking at someone who can cover the halves competently. Pearce? Not so sure.
Forty Twenty
Roar Rookie
Although Pearce has not done all that well in past SOO games I've got a feeling that he is a different beast now and the situation in SOO has altered dramatically since he last played. The opponents who have haunted him have gone and he is much more capable of putting on or scoring a try than Cleary.
RandyM
Guest
NSW don't need him. Maloney at 7 and Graham or even Wighton at 6 is a better proposition. I would even rather bring back Walker.
Pickett
Guest
If Keary was fit, NSW would be almost impossible to beat. He and Jimmy would carve. For that reason my choice is...Pearce. Graham was very good, but there's big diff between starting as playmaker and slotting in while in the team is in the lead, with momentum and tired opposition. I expect the 2 headed banjo players to try and take out Maloney. If they succeed, Pearce and Graham to take over the ship. Besides Pearce already has a combo with Maloney.
Edward Kelly
Roar Guru
Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo.
The Barry
Roar Guru
I hope Keary is passed fit to play. Pearce put in five MOM performances in a row. Off the back of that his name was mentioned as an origin candidate and his form went out the window. I’m sorry, there been too many times where Pearce has been in form and the best option and hasn’t delivered anything at this level. He’s had 18 goes at Origin and not once has he put on a match winning play.
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
"I’m wondering whether Radley will get the nod as bench utlility" NO! Not in a decider! Radley's time will come but, like Murray and Haas, the best time to throw a debutante into Origin is game 1. There is too much on the line and too much pressure on the kid. It is also a terrible idea to throw Pearce an Origin jersey for game 3 for the same reason. After so many past Origin failures Pearce will crack like an raw egg hitting the pavement! In saying that I'm well aware that Luke Keary would also be making his Origin debut but Keary is 27 not 21 and he is the incumbent Australian 5/8, has played 2 test matches and has played in 2 Grand Finals on the winning team so he is no stranger to pressure.
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
Sorry, I was all for Pearce earlier but he pulled a hammy twice. I see him cancelling out Maloney's efforts and impact. You can't have two dominant halves. If Cleary is out, find a stable and reliable half (Brooks?) or run Cleary as half with a solid 5/8 (Graham, Wighton). It's Maloney's show - let him run it..
2blues
Roar Rookie
In pure footballing terms Pearce would be the ideal replacement. We need someone to play a similar role to Cleary and let Maloney be the dominant half. Pearce probably fits this best with his defence and kicking game. However, there has been word that he wants to be the dominant half so first he needs to agree to take the minor role. Then, second has he fully gotten over the past failures. He was playing against the best ever Queensland teams but if selected would it still be playing on his mind. His past games were featured with taking wrong options at crucial times in games. Has this improved. He had a good run of games with the Knights recently but could he crack under the pressure of an Origin game. If Maloney got injured during the game who would take over? I cant see Graham or Wighton leading us to origin victory from halfback. Pearce would be a gamble but he could do it on Knights form a few back. Having said that, his last 2 games for the Knights have been fairly ordinary and apparently he had some injuries but also it seemed to coincide with talk of him being considered for origin. It will be interesting to see how he goes for the Knights this week. Another Man of the Match performance may see him selected for origin. Cleary's replacement will be a big decision and we need to hope nothing happens to Maloney and he plays well. He is crucial to our chances.
U
Roar Rookie
Pearce has to play. His dogged determination to win is exactly what the Blues will need to win the deciding game. The Blues will get their paws on the shield once again for sure if he is selected. Those negative Nancy’s are barking up the wrong tree. Mitch is a match winner
Dogs Boddy
Roar Rookie
Please God anyone but. We have a chance to go back to back for the first time in forever, why screw that opportunity up??
Dutski
Roar Guru
I think Graham will get the nod. Pearce is not really a bench option, so I can't see him in the mix. I'm wondering whether Radley will get the nod as bench utlility. Knowing you can push Wighton into the halves at a pinch means you really are looking at covering hooker and Radley can also run as a middle or edge forward. Or Matterson. He played halves now and then for the Roosters. Sorry junior Junior. I can't see it happening.