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| Thursday 9 th October 2008 | ||||||||||||||
Roosters and NSW halfback Mitchell Pearce has taken out the prestigious Jack Gibson Medal at the club’s annual Awards Night in the Bondi Room of Easts Leagues Club (tonight) Wednesday night, 8 October, 2008. The award caps off a big year for Pearce, who in only his second year of first grade football earned a representative jersey for the third State of Origin game. It was an especially poignant night for the Gibson family with the club also recognising the passing of Jack and his contribution to Easts. John Gibson was on hand to present the award to Pearce. Almost 300 guests were on hand for the announcement that saw Pearce beat club stalwart Craig Fitzgibbon and the Roosters ‘Clubman of the Year’ Mark O’Meley. Club Chairman Nick Politis began proceedings by thanking the players, sponsors and staff for all of their efforts throughout the club’s 101st year that saw the club make the finals for the first time since 2004. Rookie Hooker Jake Friend took out the Chris Sykes Junior Representative Player of the Year award capping a stunning year for the young Queenslander. Friend was part of the SG Ball winning side in 2008 and progressed through the Under 20’s team before making his NRL debut. Braith Anasta took home the Supporters Player of the Year award while Tom Symonds was the winner of the National Youth Competition Player of the Year. Roosters players and coaching staff including Ron Palmer, Craig Fitzgibbon, Bryan Fletcher and Scott Murray were on hand to present the awards with the night wrapping up a successful 2008 season. THE AWARD WINNERS ON THE NIGHT WERE: Supporters Club Player of the Year - BRAITH ANASTA National Youth Competition Player of the Year - TOM SYMONDS Barry Van Heekeren “Mocca” Award - BOB JONES James Matthews Clubman of the Year - MARK O’MELEYJack Gibson Medal Winner - MITCHELL PEARCE |
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| Friday 4 th July '08 | ||||||||||||||
Story & Photo's By : James Phelps  MITCHELL Pearce won't be "hidden" from the Maroons' defence during Wednesday night's State of Origin decider. Blues coach Craig Bellamy denied the rookie halfback would be benched after it emerged NSW were considering the shock move in a bid to shield the 19-year-old from the first 20 minutes of what promises to be a brutal encounter. "At this stage he will be starting," Bellamy said. "There's always a chance there will be changes but I think I'm pretty set on my 13. But it is only Friday, and we aren't playing until Wednesday." The Saturday Daily Telegraph understands the Blues brains trust will consider starting Newcastle's Kurt Gidley at No. 7. But Bellamy said he would not try to shield Pearce from the rampaging Maroons. "I can't see why we would be doing that," Bellamy said. "He's a courageous little bloke. You just needed to see the last couple of games, how he puts himself in good positions to make tackles. We haven't got too many worries about Mitchell Pearce's defence." Meanwhile, a shock was sent through the NSW camp yesterday when new No. 6 Braith Anasta failed to train after rolling his ankle during a morning gym session. A Blues official last night downplayed the injury, saying Anasta was rested from the ball session for precautionary reasons. "He probably could have taken part in the session," the official said. "But the staff decided to give him a rest. He'll certainly be training on Sunday when they go back after a day off." Anasta's absence won't have helped preparations, with the Blues still getting accustomed to the Roosters five-eighth's style. "Our main focus has been fitting those guys into the team," Bellamy said. "To make sure everyone knows what those guys bring to the team and making sure those two halves are aware of what we're trying to do as a team and fit in with that. Everything has gone very well so we're really happy." Origin I hero Anthony Quinn said he was looking forward to playing outside the Roosters duo. "I don't think our way of play will change too much with our structure," Quinn said. "I think the added bonus is they both have a good kicking game and a combination." |
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| Wednesday 25 th June '08 | ||||||||||||||
THE moment Wayne Pearce was on television talking about the NSW selection, saying he hoped his son would be left alone another year, Mitchell Pearce was at home receiving the phone call. "I'd prefer to see him held back for 12 months,'' Pearce said. "You're in the NSW team,'' the phone call said. Pearce got off the TV later and turned on his phone and just a few minutes after that the phone rang, and it was his son. These are the proud moments in family life. A father, a son and a bond. Pearce always believed his boy had the goods and last night he said the only thing that surprised him was the speed of his success. As for waiting another year, forget that. That was the talk of a father, and as a former coach and captain of the Blues, Pearce knew his boy was ready. The NSW selectors needed only a little convincing. The one quality they wanted to know about Pearce was whether he was tough enough. Tough? They got back. Like an ingrown toenail. "You know what they say about apples and trees?'' Brad Fittler said. Fittler couldn't talk him up enough. Ricky Stuart saw it early. As far back as anybody needed to go was last Sunday when Newcastle sent a small infantry at him and Pearce kept climbing off the deck, taking them on. "Have a look at the vision of that,'' said Steve Roach, an assistant in camp with the Blues. "Newcastle clearly had a game plan based around putting some pressure on him,'' said Fittler, "and he won the game for us.'' To understand where NSW is going you first have to understand where Mitchell Pearce is from. Brought up on the mean streets of St Ives, in the leafy north, he was the young boy that grew up running on to Leichhardt Oval after his dad's games, in the midst of legends. Initially, Wayne and Terri tried to steer him away from rugby league. "We had him playing soccer for four years,'' said dad. "We didn't want him to get into rugby league and not play other sports, so he kept playing other sports and at the end of every year he'd say 'can I play league next year?''' Nobody was better placed to understand the toll the game asked than Pearce, who turned desire into a career. So he wanted his son to be sure. His only demand for his boy was that he never give up. All other lessons came through example. He taught me a lot about attitude, because that was probably his strength,'' Mitchell said. "As a player, he was straight up and tough. Very mentally strong.'' Back to apples and trees. At 11 and 12 Mitchell was the NSW 800m champion, an age and distance where the difference is mental make-up. Mitchell was the best. He eventually found league and now, at 19, he holds the most crucial position in NSW football. He's the second youngest NSW player ever and the youngest ever to play halfback in Origin. All around are proud. "It's not like one of your own has made it,'' Roach said, "but gee I'm proud of him.'' They were a rare breed those Balmain Tigers, back when Mitchell was young. Garry Jack's son now plays for the Swans. Roach has three sons, one playing rugby in Ireland, another playing juniors at Canterbury and the third playing water polo for Australia. And Wayne Pearce, whose boy was in his arms just that little while ago, is now the father of the NSW halfback. "Good mums,'' Roach explained. |
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| Tuesday 24 th June '08 | ||||||||||||||
MITCHELL Pearce is poised to complete one of rugby league's most endearing stories when he is named halfback for the Blues this morning. Twenty-two years after father Wayne led NSW to their first clean sweep over Queensland, Pearce will replace the injured Peter Wallace after the Brisbane playmaker was controversially scratched last night. On a dramatic day for NSW, five-eighth Greg Bird was also ruled out with a knee injury - paving the way for selectors to gamble on Pearce alongside Roosters teammate Braith Anasta at the Blues' scrumbase. A further worry for NSW surrounds star centre Mark Gasnier, who is battling a back injury and is virtually no hope of being fit in time for the July 2 deciderat ANZ Stadium. Pearce, 19, has played just 28 NRL games. But former NSW great Andrew Johns, in camp as an assistant, has already said Pearce has greatness ahead. "I hold him in the highest regard,'' Johns said. "For his age, what he is doing now is leap years above what he should be doing. The thing I like most about him is how tough he is,'' Johns added. "He's so tough, and everything develops from there.'' Wallace was initially considered available when the Blues selectors met at 4pm yesterday despite not having a specialist clearance. He faxed a clearance through shortly before 6pm, only to receive a call later ruling him out. "They just told him he wasn't being picked,'' Brisbane coach Wayne Bennett said. This left only two options for the Blues to consider - Pearce or Kurt Gidley. While Gidley was the favoured halfback before Origin I, the injury to Bird and uncertainty about Wallace forced a rethink about the NSW halves pairing. Two new halves, with no experience together, was considered too risky. Combined with the importance of a series decider, selectors began to favour an established club pairing like Pearce and Anasta. As Johns attests, Pearce is also considered tough enough to handle the rigors of Origin football. As well as both halves positions, he can play fullback and hooker and, importantly, can lift the tempo of the game when he is injected. The only other father and son to have played for NSW are Parramatta's Eric Grothe Sr and Jr, while Mat Rogers played for Queensland after father Steve played for NSW. Queensland's Martin and John Lang are the only other Origin father and son pairing. Wayne Pearce played for NSW 15 times and remains the only man to captain and coach the Blues to series wins. Bird was naturally disappointed at his omission. "When it first happened and I was on the ground, that (Origin III) was all I was really thinking about,'' he said. "I was pretty hopeful (yesterday morning). It hadn't swelled up too much (and) it didn't feel too bad. But the way the injury is, if it was too rushed, it could go the other way and keep me out longer.'' Gasnier is rated little chance of coming up in time for the July 2 encounter. Should he withdraw, Canberra's Joel Monaghan or Penrith's Luke Lewis will come in. Another change will be the return of Jarryd Hayne on the wing in place of Steve Turner. Hayne missed Origin II due to suspension. LIKELY NSW SQUAD: Brett Stewart, Jarryd Hayne, Joel Monaghan, Matt Cooper, Anthony Quinn, Braith Anasta, Mitchell Pearce, Paul Gallen, Willie Mason, Ryan Hoffman, Brett White, Danny Buderus, Ben Cross. Interchange: Kurt Gidley, Craig Fitzgibbon, Anthony Laffranchi, Steve Simpson. |
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| Saturday 3 rd MAy '08 | ||||||||||||||
Story & Photo By : Steve Mascord  THE game was tied and so were the honours between NSW halfback aspirants Mitchell Pearce and Brett Finch at fulltime in last night's City-Country clash at WIN Stadium. Jarryd Hayne confirmed his place in the New South Wales side while Chris Heighington, Joel Monaghan and Todd Carney are poised to join Craig Bellamy's State of Origin shortlist. The Saturday Daily Telegraph understands those were the major outcomes from a Blues point of view from the draw - a result which had players feeling "hollow',' the crowd booing and the colourful Hayne calling for a penalty shootout in future. New NSW coach Bellamy revealed on the eve of the game "20 or 21'' players had already been pencilled in for selection to take on Queensland at ANZ Stadium on May 21. Hayne, off his game by his own admission since being shot at in Kings Cross during the pre-season, emerged from that haze with any eye catching performance. His crash tackle lifted City back into the game after Country dominated the early exchanges and he scored a try in the 59th minute, making 74 metres in attack. Sources say Country benchman Heighington, who made 18 tackles, 11 hitups and 97 metres, was the bolter of the evening and selectors will suggest to Bellamy he expand the squad to "21 or 22''. But he is mostly likely to get his chance later in the series with the squad chock-full of back rowers. Canberra's Monaghan - with 112 metres - will also win significant support from selectors to be the Blues' other winger, ahead of Anthony Quinn (132), Amos Roberts (94) and Luke Rooney (104). And while fellow Raider Carney was considered such an outsider that he wasn't even picked in his chosen position, his try to tie the game with eight minutes left and near-miss field goal have also won him fans in high places. Man of the Match Anthony Laffranchi was already in Bellamy's list, as was Country replacement Ben Cross and City five-eighth Braith Anasta who also impressed. The halfback battle between Finch and Pearce was absorbing. Country's Finch had a kick charged down in the lead-up to a try City centre Ben Pomeroy scored to grab the lead in the 65th minute and he kicked out on the full before Hayne's score. But he went some way to atoning with a superb pass which put Carney over. Country coach Laurie Daley, also a State selector, played down the overwhelming favouritism of Newcastle's Kurt Gidley to be halfback. "I've been around a long time and I've been around this situation,'' he said. "The performances out there of the players tonight were good but Kurt Gidley is a very valuable member of any team he plays in. In the past his versatility has been a problem, it has affected his chances as a starting player. I think he'll get a chance over the coming weeks to press his claims. "I don't think there's a standout favourite, to be honest. I think selectors were pretty keen to see Mitchell Pearce tonight and we were also keen to see Brett Finch. I thought Pearce went OK.'' But Pearce said: "I think either Finchy or Gids will get it. I just wanted to play well in this game. I enjoyed it enormously.'' The crowd of 11,365 was up on recent years but still seen as disappointing in some quarters. City retains the shield as the 2007 winner. |
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| Monday 28 th April '08 | ||||||||||||||
 PEARCE NAMED CITY HALFBACKMitchell Pearce was tonight named as the City Origin halfback alongside Roosters team mates Braith Anasta and Mark O'Meley. Pearce has earned his first rep jersey ahead of seasoned half back Matt Orford and stand out performer Peter Wallace. "I'm pumped, just proud to be there playing with Braith and Ogre. I'm looking forward to going into camp and seeing what a rep camp is all about and obviously excited to be playing the game on Friday night," Pearce said of his selection. THE TEAM IS: Brett Hodgson, Jarryd Hayne, Ben Pomeroy, Brett Delaney, Luke Rooney, Braith Anasta, Mitchell Pearce, Jason King, Corey Hughes, Mark O'Meley, Luke Lewis, Mark Minichiello, John Sutton, Bryce Gibbs, Ray Cashmere, Feleti Mateo, Peter Wallace. |
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| MITCHELL PEARCE RE-SIGNS WITH THE ROOSTERS | ||||||||||||||
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In case you missed Richard and TK's Interview with Australian Schoolboys Captain and good bloke Mitchell Pearce. Click on the 'Big Sports Breakfast Logo to download the interview. its an .mp3 |
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![Mitchell PEARCe (on right) warms up with his Australian Schoolboy team mates before the 2nd Test vs French National Juniors 20/12/06 - ( Exculsive OFT Photo : pierre grenet Photography [France])](/images/school_players/assrl/2006_tour/vs_france_game2/aussies_warmUp_size1.jpg)  Mitchell Pearce is a student from MARIST COLLEGE in Sydney's North Shore, he played for NSW Combined Catholic Colleges in this years Australian National Under 18 Championships at Port MacQuarie and had a blinder too.
This is Mitchell's second year in the Australian Schoolboys Squad and he was part of last years Tests against the Junior KIWI 'S In 2007 Mitch is playing with the Roosters and will be aiming to get a few games in the top side during the season |
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![Aussie Captain Mitchell PEARCE 1st Test Vs France Aussies Attack ( Exculsive OFT Photo : pierre grenet Photography [France])](http://www.ourfootyteam.com/images/school_players/assrl/2006_tour/vs-france-game1/mitchell_pearce_scratchin_size1.jpg) |
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Mitchell Pearce and Ratu Peni Tagive keep their eyes on the game while having a rest. still there, it's all good (Photo : ourfooty media '06) |
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| wots going on here, looks like the French half is finding out what the old Balmain how-ya-goin' is right in the middle of a Test Match See the Queenslander lining for a bit of Sam Backo. good on ya kev' & Nathan (Photo : ourfooty media '06) |
Pretty handy at finding the try line too is young Mr. Pearce (Photo : ourfooty media '06) |
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| Mitchell Pearce & his dad Wayne - Winners are Grinners !! | oh yeah, Mitchell's old man was a pretty good football player too, he is a successful coach and here some info on the old Champ (Learn More) (Photo : ourfooty media '06) |
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Ourfooty Media interview with Sydney Roosters newest Champ Mitchell Pearce 06/02/07 @ 8:30pm 'ish |
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| ourfooty team | MITCHELL PEARCE |
 Thank you Mitchell Pearce for giving your time to talk with us tonight, it's really great talking to you again and like everyone in Australia, we all wish you heaps of success in the future, and hopefully a bit of good luck along the way as well mate. |
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| Congratulations on being chosen as the 2006 ASSRL MOST Valuable Player, What did you win ? | I got a really nice trophy, the NRL and ARL donated the Trophies to us on the tour, so thanks to the NRL and the ARL too. it's actually a very big honour when you think that all my mates in the team are all special and very good footballers |
| So you got to Captain Australia, wow, what that like, leading the team into battle? | yeah it was unreal, it was a big honour & it was made better because we won the tests. none of us will every forget, beating England in England. It doesn't get better than that. |
| What are some of the things you remember about last years Australian Schoolboys tour Mitchell? | all the boys that we went away with, they are all my great mates now and probably will be for all my life, I saw the eifle tower, the footy was the best part and beating the poms after the last couple years where they won was great |
| What was the coldest footy ground you played at? | the 2nd test match was freezing mate, |
| What else happened, was there any good fights, or accidential spear tackling of Englishmen? | 1st test was pretty clean, then the 2nd test they were different, they came out and were right into us from the start with Dog Punches, verbal abuse and dirty tackles. The ref was a massive cheat, he would put us back 10 & them 5, so they were quickly in our faces and if we argued he would penalise us. and just quietly the boys gave it back with interest, but we won the series after that game so it made the win even better |
| On your days off, what did you get up too Mitchell ? | we had lots of time off, but we trained most mornings, then the boys just went out shopping and site seeing or the movies. We all bought Sony PSP's in Wales had had a mad time linking them together to play games. Poker was popular. |
| What did you think of the Viking Mesuem ? | I can't remember, was that the castle in France, nah, it's in England, then I don't remember |
| Back to last years Australian 18 Championships in Pt. MacQuarie, Joe Paulo & Liam Foram were also in your successful CCC Team. You played some hot footy, what make the CCC side so good? | yeah we had a pretty good side, chrissy lawrence at fullback, Liam (Foran) & Aiden (Tolman) up in the forwards, we got to play a few trails so we played togeher a bit. it was a good team. I think the CCC squads will do well again this year |
| Is it better to play with the Qld boys, or do you like playing against Queensland ? | it's always good playing against them, but its even better playing with them, people like Luke Capewell, Crissy Sandow, Israel (Folau) they have some great players who do freaky stuff. |
| In the Australian Champ's, you scored 2 tries in the grand Final Mitchell, what can you tell us about the tries and the game ? | yeah the 1st try was a good one, I ran about 60 mts & stepped Luke Capewell (which is always good and in my REEBOKS too) in the mud to score, the 2nd one was from about 6 meters. it was a great game but very disappionting result because we lost. |
| Did you have a good Christmas, what did you do ? | it was good, I got back (to australia) the day before, I had a bit of jet lag and I think I slept until about 2:30 in the arvo. we had Aunties and Uncles and family and we had a BBQ, it was good |
| You must still be in pretty good nick fitness wise, how have you found training with the Sydney Roosters ? | IT'S BEEN AWESOME, it has been intence, we just had a 4 day camp at Coff's Harbour, it was great to get to know the boys even better |
| What are the boys in your new team like, have you played with any of them before ? | I haven't played with any of the |
| Can you catch Minichiello? | Dunno, I haven't tried yet, but I will tomorrow and send you a text |
| Do you have any brothers or sisters? | 2 sisters, I 'm the malcolm in the middle |
| Who is the most famous person you have ever met? | no, no one really, just footballers, I met andrew johns when I was about 9, now I know freddie fitler, he is pretty famous isn't he. no-one else, just footballers |
| Will you get to play 1st grade this year? | I hope so, thats definately my goal. I hope to get a game sometime |
| Will you get a run during the trials? | yeah, I 'll play in at least one of our trial games, but I don't know how he (coach chris anderson) is going to do it yet. |
| Have you been watching the cricket? | no, it's a bit slow for me at times, I like to watch tennis, they get the ball to really hum |
| How do you get to training these days? | I drive now, I used to have to catch the train to footy training |
| What sort of car do you own? | a hyundai |
| What sort of car do you want to own | SUBARU WRX |
| What a your favourite footy boots? | REEBOK - REEBOK Ok I 'll say it again REEBOK! |
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 SCHOOLBOYS SKIPPER BEST BY HALF 18/01 THE Roosters are poised to revive one of the great names in rugby league with teen sensation Mitchell Pearce yesterday labelled the best halfback at the club by the legendary Arthur Beetson. While the Roosters have gone to great lengths to keep the hot young prospect out of the media spotlight, Beetson has declared the 18-year-old son of Balmain great Wayne "Junior" Pearce ready to wear the No. 7 this season. "He is the pick of the young halves (at the Roosters)," Beetson said. "Mitchell is a real tough kid who just needs a bit of coaching. He is tough enough to handle it (first grade) and strong enough physically." Judged the best player on the Australian Schoolboys' all-conquering tour of Europe last month, Pearce is locked in a four-way battle for a scrumbase position with the enigmatic Jamie Soward, incumbent half Josh Lewis and emerging talent Mitchell Aubusson.. Learn More |
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| Queensland 17s in Dazzling Win IT WAS spectacular and controversial and in the long run the good guys won. Queensland raised its first victory over New South Wales this year with a 42-16 win in the Under 17s prelude to Origin II.
In one of the most eye-catching curtain-raisers in recent Origin times, Queensland responded from a 16-14 halftime deficit to storm home in front of a rabid hometown crowd. ......... The visiting Blues moved ahead 10-4 when skipper Mitchell Pearce plucked an intercept and ran almost 100m untouched... Learn More |
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MITCHELL PEARCE - AUSTRALIAN SCHOOLBOYS 2005 - 2006 |
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| Tuesday 14 th August '07 | |||||||||
 PEARCE WON'T DISRUPT FLYING ROOSTERSSydney Roosters teenager Mitchell Pearce is determined not to ruffle feathers when he makes his NRL comeback this Sunday against the Gold Coast. Pearce has not played since his "embarrassing" round 16 match against the Bulldogs when he twice failed to find touch with penalty kicks. He sat out five weeks with a serious back injury, last week making a tryscoring return to lead Newtown to a 50-32 win in premier league. Pearce will be pushed back into first grade this week, replacing Heath L'Estrange after the hooker accepted a one-game ban for a dangerous throw tackle against Wests Tigers last Friday. The 18-year-old is likely to move into halfback with veteran Craig Wing to be shifted back to hooker. But Pearce said he is wary of fitting into the Roosters side, who have four wins and a draw since Brad Fittler took over coaching five weeks ago. "I was a bit rusty on the weekend," said Pearce. "I just have to do my job in the team and they're probably going to carry me. "First game back I just have to try and do my little things right. "I will just do what Freddy (Fittler) wants me to do but I'm sure he wants me just to play the simple role. "There's a bit more confidence in the team. There's a different feel in the place so it's going to be easier for me to come back into the team and just try and join into them all." Pearce was courageous to take to the field with the back injury against the Dogs, but said in hindsight he should not have played. "Don't remind me, hey, it was a bit embarrassing to be honest," said Pearce of his missed touch-finders. "I probably shouldn't have played. It probably taught me a lesson what to play with and what not to. "I've put it all behind me and hopefully I will play a good game this weekend and help the guys out, but they don't need much, they're going real good." Fittler meanwhile said he was hopeful he would settle his coaching future at the club in the next fortnight. The Roosters issued a statement Monday saying they would not comment on the speculation until a decision on the full club coaching staff for 2008 had been reached. But Fittler expects he won't have to wait long until his full time position is confirmed. "The club's onto that, they realise about getting a head start for next season so I'm sure they won't keep it for too long," said Fittler. "They will most probably make a decision this week or next week or something like that." |
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| Sunday 17 th June '07 | |||||||||
Story By : Will Swanton  Panthers 20 Roosters 24 MITCHELL Pearce scored a miracle try right on full-time to get the Roosters home in his first meeting with Craig Gower since their infamous flare-up at a Sunshine Coast golf resort in 2005. Last time Gower got so close to Pearce, he was chasing him with a beer bottle. Gower didn't attempt to grope Mitchell's sister, or commit any of the other offences he was accused of at the Sunshine Coast debacle which cost him the captaincy for a season. But he was again left with plenty of regrets after Pearce ran 90 metres to score the match-winner with 30 seconds left on the clock. Gower, who equalled Panthers legend Greg Alexander's mark of 227 first-grade games, had lost possession. He was inconsolable afterwards. Gower and Pearce did not shake hands after full-time, walking straight past each other without a world being spoken. Pearce's father, the legendary former Kangaroo Wayne, was among the onlookers. Controversy erupted in what appeared to be the latest instance of a player feigning injury. . Referee Ben Cummins ruled a knock-on against Penrith's Paul Aiton after a back-slamming tackle from the Roosters' Queensland Origin forward Nate Myles. As the teams prepared to pack a scrum, Aiton received medical attention. Cummins then called a gobsmacked Myles over, placed him on report and gave the Panthers a penalty. From the very next play, Aiton was running around with all the energy in the world. He nearly scored, fearlessly charging into the Roosters' defensive wall right on their try line. Video referee Pat Reynolds having already started the match with two contentious decisions, ruled Aiton had fallen centimetres short of the line. Reynolds took the obstruction rule to the nth degree by disallowing a Penrith try to Nick Youngquest in the third minute because of the most remotest of possible obstructions in back play. And he rejected a try to Rooster Craig Fitzgibbon off a pinpoint accurate Pearce kick because of what he believed was a knock-on. Few agreed with either verdict. The game was just four minutes old. Gower chip-kicked over the top for a rampaging Frank Pritchard to regain possession and send Nathan Smith over to score to give the Panthers their 10-6 half-time lead. Another sweet kick from Pearce had given the Roosters their opening four-pointer to Sam Perrett in front of a shivering crowd of 5831. Junior Moors powered over from a Gower ball for 14-6 but Setaimata Sa replied for the Roosters with exactly half an hour on the clock. Amos Roberts found a gaping hole to score under the black dot and the Roosters led by four, but Myles botched a play-the-ball and the Panthers found themselves on attack. Gower gave a short pass to barnstorming prop Joel Clinton and the Panthers were up, but not for long enough. Pearce's arm was raised in triumph 20 metres before he reached the try line. |
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Story By :  & 
Mitchell Pearce was the little general in the Newton Jet side which thrashed the Cronulla Sharks Premier League side at Shark Park last on Saturday Night. Mitchell was very commanding on the field, directing his troops to plug holes, cover players and his little kicks are out of this world. Twice in the first half the Jets scored tries from Mitchell Pearce's kicks, the first a spot on grubber kick that the Jet winger was able to pick up and the second was a beautiful 30 meter kick to the right wing where the footy was marked in mid air and the Jets crashed over the Sharks line for a great team try.
After stringing together a series of encouraging performances in recent weeks the Sharks Premier League came crashing back to earth when they slumped to a 38-8 loss to the Newtown Jets at Toyota Park on Saturday night. The Sharks never managed to get into the contest, with the Jets building on their 10-0 half time deficit to run out comfortable winners. Two tries, both from Mitchell Pierce kicks, saw the Jets go to half time with a handy advantage and things hardly improved for the Sharks in the second stanza. Jets winger Shaun Kenny Dowell scored the first of two tries after getting on the outside of his opposite number, before then capitalising on another blunder down the left hand side from Sharks winger Tu’u Maori and the match was as good as over for the Sharks at 20-0 behind.
Two more tries to the Jets saw the score blow out to 32-0, before Bryson Goodwin slid over wide out to post the Sharks first score of the night. He failed to convert, however the Sharks were on the board at 32-4. A further try to the Jets and a four-pointer to Josh Hannay for the Sharks as the full time siren was sounding, saw the final score finish up at 38-8 in favour of the Jets. |
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 How many people can say they spent the day before their 18th birthday getting bashed up by the best footy team on the planet? Sydney Roosters half back Mitchell Pearce can because last Friday night the Roosters played the Premiers at Aussies stadium and the next day Mitchell turned 18. Happy Birthday Mitch'. The Roosters have gotten ahead of the pack by signing young Mitchell for 3 more years at the famous 100 year old club.
We were lucky enough to speak with Mitchell on Thursday night to ask him what it means to him to have extended his contact by 3 years? "It's pretty good hey, we have a pretty good team and the club has a great future" So now your contract is out of the way, did they give you enough to buy a Ferrari? "Nah, nothing like that mate"
Happy Birthday for the other day Mitchell, what did ya get? "Thanks mate, Not much really, i got stuff off my sisters and stuff, we are having a party in a few weeks, that will be big." "We went to Randwick races on my Birthday, now that I'm 18 I can have a bet (I only learned how to fill in a TAB ticket on Saturday)" -Yeah right Mitch', what at the races, - that's what ya call 'on the job training' - good one. "Now that I'm 18 there are things I'm allowed to do, but there are also new responsiblities becuase I'm an adult, like I get to vote now, which is cool" Last time we spoke Mitchell we were talking about a race between you and Anthony Minichiello, so have you had the race and who is the fastest? "heh, that's right, nah we haven't got it on for a race, but he (Mini) is pretty quick though"
So now that your a successful professional footy player, what are you driving? "heh, I've still my old Hyundai, I think I will get a new car soon" All your mates from last years Schoolboys tour are playing footy all over the place, what about Israel, "Yeah, he is awesome, what is it, 7 tries so far this year. Chrissy Sandow is rippin' 'em up up there for Tweed Heads, hows Obe (Geia) goin'?" He (Obe Geia) is playing with the Nth QLD Young Guns, he is actually the fastest bloke in the Cowboys squad. "yeah, he is quick too" Chris Sandow scored his 1st try for Tweed Heads on the weekend. "Yeah Chrissy's a freak" Good luck this year Mitchell, and we all can't wait for you blokes go and win that elusive 1,000 th game, & we all hope that you score that winning try. "thanks mate, no worries" |
Cronulla Sharks 
Newtown Jets 
"It's a really big coupe for the club" said Sean Miller, the Roosters media manager, "we are really happy Mitchell has agreed to stay with the club, the signing of Pearce is a continuation of the Club’s youth policy having recently re-signed utility backs Mitchell Aubusson and Shaun Kenny-Dowall." 
Ourfooty Media interview with Sydney Roosters newest Champ Mitchell Pearce 06/02/07 @ 8:30pm 'ish |
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| ourfooty team | MITCHELL PEARCE |
Thank you Mitchell Pearce for giving your time to talk with us tonight, it's really great talking to you again and like everyone in Australia, we all wish you heaps of success in the future, and hopefully a bit of good luck along the way as well mate. |
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| Congratulations on being chosen as the 2006 ASSRL MOST Valuable Player, What did you win ? | I got a really nice trophy, the NRL and ARL donated the Trophies to us on the tour, so thanks to the NRL and the ARL too. it's actually a very big honour when you think that all my mates in the team are all special and very good footballers |
| So you got to Captain Australia, wow, what that like, leading the team into battle? | yeah it was unreal, it was a big honour & it was made better because we won the tests. none of us will every forget, beating England in England. It doesn't get better than that. |
| What are some of the things you remember about last years Australian Schoolboys tour Mitchell? | all the boys that we went away with, they are all my great mates now and probably will be for all my life, I saw the eifle tower, the footy was the best part and beating the poms after the last couple years were they won was great |
| What was the coldest footy ground you played at? | the 2 test match was freezing mate, |
| What else happened, was there any good fights, or accidential spear tackling of Englishmen? | 1st test was pretty clean, then the 2nd test they were different, they came out and were right into us from the start with Dog Punches, verbal abuse and dirty tackles. The ref was a massive cheat, he would put us back 10 & them 5, so they were quickly in our faces and if we argued he would penalise us. and just quietly the boys gave it back with interest, but we won the series after that game so it made the win even better |
| On your days off, what did you get up too Mitchell ? | we had lots of time off, but we trained most mornings, then the boys just went out shopping and site seeing or the movies. We all bought Sony PSP's in Wales had had a mad time linking them together to play games. Poker was popular. |
| What did you think of the Viking Mesuem ? | I can't remember, was that the castle in France, nah, it's in England, then I don't remember |
| Back to last years Australian 18 Championships in Pt. MacQuarie, Joe Paulo & Liam Foram were also in your successful CCC Team. You played some hot footy, what make the CCC side so good? | yeah we had a pretty good side, chrissy lawrence at fullback, Liam (Foran) & Aiden (Tolman) up in the forwards, we got to play a few trails so we played togeher a bit. it was a good team. I think the CCC squads will do well again this year |
| Is it better to play with the Qld boys, or do you like playing against Queensland ? | it's always good playing against them, but its even better playing with them, people like Luke Capewell, Crissy Sandow, Israel (Folau) they have some great players who do freaky stuff. |
| In the Australian Champ's, you scored 2 tries in the grand Final Mitchell, what can you tell us about the tries and the game ? | yeah the 1st try was a good one, I ran about 60 mts & stepped Luke Capewell (which is always good and in my REEBOKS too) in the mud to score, the 2nd one was from about 6 meters. it was a great game but very disappionting result because we lost. |
| Did you have a good Christmas, what did you do ? | it was good, I got back (to australia) the day before, I had a bit of jet lag and I think I slept until about 2:30 in the arvo. we had Aunties and Uncles and family and we had a BBQ, it was good |
| You must still be in pretty good nick fitness wise, how have you found training with the Sydney Roosters ? | IT'S BEEN AWESOME, it has been intence, we just had a 4 day camp at Coff's Harbour, it was great to get to know the boys even better |
| What are the boys in your new team like, have you played with any of them before ? | I haven't played with any of the |
| Can you catch Minichiello? | Dunno, I haven't tried yet, but I will tomorrow and send you a text |
| Do you have any brothers or sisters? | 2 sisters, I 'm the malcolm in the middle |
| Who is the most famous person you have ever met? | no, no one really, just footballers, I met andrew johns when I was about 9, now I know freddie fitler, he is pretty famous isn't he. no-one else, just footballers |
| Will you get to play 1st grade this year? | I hope so, thats definately my goal. I hope to get a game sometime |
| Will you get a run during the trials? | yeah, I 'll play in at least one of our trial games, but I don't know how he (coach chris anderson) is going to do it yet. |
| Have you been watching the cricket? | no, it's a bit slow for me at times, I like to watch tennis, they get the ball to really hum |
| How do you get to training these days? | I drive now, I used to have to catch the train to footy training |
| What sort of car do you own? | a hyundai |
| What sort of car do you want to own | SUBARU WRX |
| What a your favourite footy boots? | REEBOK - REEBOK Ok I 'll say it again REEBOK! |
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SCHOOLBOYS SKIPPER BEST BY HALF 18/01 THE Roosters are poised to revive one of the great names in rugby league with teen sensation Mitchell Pearce yesterday labelled the best halfback at the club by the legendary Arthur Beetson. While the Roosters have gone to great lengths to keep the hot young prospect out of the media spotlight, Beetson has declared the 18-year-old son of Balmain great Wayne "Junior" Pearce ready to wear the No. 7 this season. "He is the pick of the young halves (at the Roosters)," Beetson said. "Mitchell is a real tough kid who just needs a bit of coaching. He is tough enough to handle it (first grade) and strong enough physically." Judged the best player on the Australian Schoolboys' all-conquering tour of Europe last month, Pearce is locked in a four-way battle for a scrumbase position with the enigmatic Jamie Soward, incumbent half Josh Lewis and emerging talent Mitchell Aubusson.. Learn More |
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| Queensland 17s in Dazzling Win IT WAS spectacular and controversial and in the long run the good guys won. Queensland raised its first victory over New South Wales this year with a 42-16 win in the Under 17s prelude to Origin II.
In one of the most eye-catching curtain-raisers in recent Origin times, Queensland responded from a 16-14 halftime deficit to storm home in front of a rabid hometown crowd. ......... The visiting Blues moved ahead 10-4 when skipper Mitchell Pearce plucked an intercept and ran almost 100m untouched... Learn More |
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MITCHELL PEARCE - AUSTRALIAN SCHOOLBOYS 2005 - 2006 |
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 THAT'S MY BOY AUSTRALIAN and Balmain legend Wayne Pearce last night spoke of his pride at having son Mitchell named to make his NRL debut. Sydney Roosters will be aiming to tie 17-year-old Mitchell Pearce to a long-term contract after he was rushed yesterday into the side to play North Queensland at Dairy Farmers Stadium tomorrow night. Nominated halfback Josh Lewis (toe) withdrew, prompting coach Chris Anderson to bench Mitch Aubusson and shift Braith Anasta back to five-eighth from lock. Former Australia captain Wayne Pearce has been reluctant to discuss Mitchell's obvious ability for fear of placing undue pressure on him. But Wayne told The Daily Telegraph: "I'm very proud. "I am happy for Mitchell because of the amount of work he has put in. "He's a good player. "Mitchell has worked hard for the opportunity. He thoroughly deserves it." Test forward Anthony Tupou drops back from the second row to lock while former Bulldog Nate Myles comes into the run-on side in the back row. Roosters CEO Brian Canavan said negotiations with Pearce, who is off contract at the end of this season, had opened two weeks ago. "We haven't put anything down on paper but we'd be looking at a minimum of two years," said Canavan. "How he goes on Saturday night doesn't make any difference to where we're coming from." Anderson said Pearce and Lewis were likely to duel for the No. 7 shirt all year. He ruled out using them both together in the halves. He said Mitchell Pearce was "very strong, committed, a good defender". "He's very competitive, he's got a really good passing game, he's not afraid to get in and really mix it with the first graders," said Anderson. "He'll develop into a really good player." Anderson wouldn't rule out Anasta's shift back to pivot being permanent. "I put Braith to five-eighth to give (Pearce) some experience around him," Anderson said. "We'll see how it works. We're still tinkering with the team. I probably won't have my best team until we get to round four or round five. "It's all about taking the pressure off (Anasta) and letting him be himself. Whether he's got 13 or six won't bother him too much." North Queensland coach Graham Murray said he had heard rumours of Pearce's involvement before the changes were announced. He added he also wouldn't be surprised to see Country Origin star Amos Roberts, back from a knee injury, make the trip to Townsville this morning and play some of tomorrows game at Five/Eight |
07/02 ONE of the questions we wanted to ask young Rooster player and 2006 Australian Schoolboy's co-captain was, is he faster than his team mate Anthony Minichiello? "I dunno, I haven't tried, heh but I will today, I'll definitely find out if he is faster, I'll see if I can race him at training." "Then I'll text you this afternoon with the result." (who do u reckon will win, the young keen rookie or the veteran Aussie Fullback? Let us Know here) They're both pretty quick We were also talking to Mitchell about last year's undefeated Schoolboy's Tour of England. "We trained almost every day but we had heaps of time off so we all bought Sony PSP's and played games and a bit of poker." "Playing footy and the test matches were the best part of the tour. "It's such a great honour playing for your country, it's some thing I'll never forget." "The first test against the England Academy side was a good game. The first test was pretty clean, then the second test they were different. They came out and were right into us from the start with dog punches, verbal abuse and dirty tackles." "The ref was a massive cheat, he would put us back 10 & them nearly 5, so they were quickly in our faces and if we argued he would penalise us". Learn More in our Exclusive Interview with Mitchell. [Also hear Mitchell's interview with the the 2KY Big Sports Breakfast boys Richard Freedman & T for Terry Kennedy.] **************************************************
13/02 BOOM teenager Mitchell Pearce will make his first- grade debut for the Sydney Roosters this weekend - against his famous father's former team the Tigers. The Daily Telegraph has learned 17-year-old Pearce will play halfback for the Roosters in Saturday night's inaugural Foundation Cup match against Wests Tigers at Aussie Stadium. It will be the first rugby league game held in Sydney this season. And it will be the ultimate irony for the Pearce family, with young Mitchell up against the Tigers on debut. Wayne Pearce is a Balmain Tigers legend, having played 192 top-grade matches between 1980 and 1990 as a back-rower. Mitchell Pearce, having just returned from captaining the Australian Schoolboys through Great Britain, will team up at the scrum-base with another rookie, Mitch Aubusson.. Learn More |
 Following in the footsteps of a rugby league great can be tough, but 16-year-old Mitchell Pearce wouldn’t have it any other way. Mitchell, the son of former Balmain international Wayne ‘Junior’ Pearce, is one of the hottest rising young stars in rugby league and many keen judges are predicting that he will emulate the feats of his father. Wayne’s stellar career included 18 Tests for Australia (1982–88), 15 State of Origin matches for NSW (1983–88) – including 10 matches as captain – and 192 first grade matches for his beloved Tigers. He also captained the club in two losing grand finals in 1988–89. Mitchell recently put pen to paper on a two-year-old deal with NRL team Sydney Roosters, rejecting offers from nine other clubs. With so many clubs clamouring for his prized signature, the talented Australian Schoolboys halfback sought out his father for advice. “Dad has always been very supportive and encourages me to play my own style of football,” says Mitchell, a Year 11 student at Marist College North Shore. “Despite my dad’s connection to Balmain, at no time did I feel obliged to sign with the Wests Tigers. “He knows that playing first grade football will be an achievement enough, regardless of the colour of the jersey.” As a junior product of the Asquith Magpies, Mitchell has been playing with the North Sydney Bears in the Harold Matthews competition. He would have liked to stay with the Bears, but because North Sydney no longer has an NRL first grade team he had no clear career path. He will play in the Roosters’ Jersey Flegg side next season, with his sights set on playing in first grade in the next few years. Mitchell says that Roosters and NSW coach Ricky Stuart heavily influenced his decision to join the club. “I did have interest from a few clubs but playing under Ricky was a big incentive,” he said. “The Roosters have a very professional coaching staff. I’m keen to keep learning and improving my footy under Ricky and his team. “It’s a very exciting opportunity for me.” Roosters’ chief executive officer Brian Canavan said the club was excited by Mitchell’s size, skill and creativity. “He’s almost the size of his father, which at 16 is pretty scary,” he said. Having steered Marist College North Shore to this year’s Metropolitan Catholic Colleges A Grade grand final, and producing an outstanding performance for the NSW Combined Catholic Colleges side, Mitchell was selected to play for the Australian Schoolboys in a two-match series against New Zealand Students in Melbourne and Brisbane. For now, he has to look towards balancing the HSC with the rigours of professional football, a challenge as daunting and tough as tackling any forward. |
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