Pearce baptisim runs in the family
June 24th 2008 09:46
Mitchell Pearce - like his father before him, will play Origin
Mitchell Pearce has never been the type to bend or budge.
It's been seldom to see him this season push a wrong button in defence or attack. His team is riding high on the NRL ladder, his confidence strong and true.
That aura of form has been noticed by NSW selectors. Pearce, 19 will be at the centrepiece of Rugby League's most challenging arena. An arena where all players are leash free. Where all peace talk can cease.
While Greg Bird and Mark Gasnier are in limbo over injury, Pearce and Anasta have been called upon to release the form that has made them the most lethal halves pairing in the NRL.
Let's all be brief here for a minute. No one expected Pearce to get picked. The selectors were thought to be keeping NSW simple - Forwards with a lot of beef and a halves pairing with a decent kicking radar.
It comes as a great surprise to see the mass changes brought by a QLD thrashing at Suncorp. Although injuries have played a role, NSW have picked a side capable of causing chaos come Origin 3.
Down the track, it is likely Mitchell Pearce will kick on back his chances of playing Origin. Although no boogiemonster like Willie Mason or Gordon Tallis, Pearce will be just 80 minutes away from keeping the NSW no.7 jersey on his back forever.
Although QLD will have plans to ambush the Anasta-Pearce administration, The young Roosters half is now leading the new generation of Blues.
As he grows, Pearce will gain the ability to inspire his teammates to stand and fight for whatever rights possible.
Like a white hot light, Pearce will be the man shining the most. No stone unturned for a young man keen to leave his presence in Origin intact next Wednesday night.
Being drafted to the big time will not fase this 19 yr old. Pearce will go into camp with the best coach League has to offer in Craig Bellamy. Aware of the crap Origin can throw up, Bellamy will ensure his young Origin half stays composed with the task at hand.
One things for certain. Bellamy won't package the Roosters star and stand back hoping for a good performance. Like a true assassin, the Melbourne Storm coach will be aware of QLD's hijack plans. Up north, Maroon supporters demand action.
Like a baby getting recruited to the army, Pearce at 19 yrs has alot on his plate to consume. It would not come as a surprise if the young man went insane with excitement and disbelief.
But when you say Origin to a member of the Pearce family, no one fases at the word. Inhuman perhaps?
On previous dates gone past, Pearce's father - Balmain legend Wayne Pearce, also felt the groove of an Origin call-up. Like his son, Pearce's confidence recieved an almighty boost. Origin suited his game beautifully.
There was nothing no one could do to fase Wayne Pearce. Stab or shoot him, Pearce was always a product of braveheart in anyone's language.
While Wayne Pearce has moved on, Mitchell has more history to make.
Come next Wednesday night, Pearce must produce hits in order to break QLD's monotony in Origin. The Maroons will do the same.
Like the influence drugs and rock have on teenagers, QLD will be Pearce's greatest enemy. When his knees get heavy, the Maroons will pounce.
There will be a time in Origin 3 where Pearce will be under seige. A time where Pearce must show his hunger to jump over all obstacles and take Origin by the throat.
At present, no doubt Pearce will be laughing at the funny idea of him saving NSW's bacon.
Somebody who was nothing last year has bluffed his way pass all Blues halfbacks to claim an Origin berth.
Now that the rise is complete, Pearce must get ready for some serious action in League's hottest cauldron.
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