Ex-Origin star Mitchell Pearce set for bombshell NRL return with the Sydney Roosters
Footy bad boy Mitchell Pearce returned to the Roosters in a bombing move seven years after being stripped of the club’s captaincy following an infamous drunken incident with a dog
- Once in hot water with a dog, the long-serving rooster may return
- At 34 years old, can Pearce be a star again
- Will likely reprise role as Luke Brooks replacement
Footy bad boy Mitchell Pearce has been touted as a ‘new’ recruit for the embattled Sydney Roosters – seven years after his infamous drunken incident with a dog.
Pearce left the Roosters when they brought in Australian halfback Cooper Cronk, believing Pearce lacked the capacity or ability to lead the Roosters to major wins.
So he went to Newcastle for a few seasons before leaving for Catalans in France after they offered him a contract – but he can have a great return.
Pearce has been linked with the whimsical Wests Tigers, home of his famous father Wayne, replacing $1 million star Luke Brooks, who will leave the Tigers’ den at the end of 2023.
However, it looks like Pearce has hit that back – with a move to the Roosters now looking more likely.
Embattled NRL star Mitchell Pearce (pictured) looks likely to return to the Aussie game – as a rooster again
He left in 2017 in the wake of the infamous scandal where he simulated a sex act with a dog
NRL 360 on FOX reported that as early as March of this season, the Tigers were preparing a two-year, $1.5 million deal to lure Pearce back.
So the news that he is considering an NRL return to the Sydney Roosters strongly suggests that means he has a lot of dollars dangling in front of him.
He has already played 309 games in the NRL and the Daily Telegraph says reports of him coming back and playing with the Roosters are very strong.
Where that leaves young Sam Walker and utility star Connor Watson is anyone’s guess.
A return is warranted, as the rooster halves showed last night in the thrashing by Penrith, they are just no match for it.
Luke Keary did his best and made progress, but a general in the center is desperately needed to show them the way everywhere.
When Pearce played (with the ball) for the Roosters, he was co-captain and an attacking force, but management sensationally kicked him off the side after several off-field incidents.
Pearce would probably be a good addition for them if they come from the node.
The embattled former Rooster made 19 appearances for the NSW Blues at the Origin level.
In January 2016, Pearce, then co-captain of the Roosters, was sensationally stripped of the captain’s armband when a video emerged of him simulating a sex act with a dog.
The NSW State of Origin star was handed an eight-game suspension and a $125,000 fine – and was the start of his inglorious run from the NRL.
Pearce’s drunken stupor at that Australia Day party earned him a heavy fine, as well as the end of his captaincy – and after moving to Newcastle, his fiancée made headlines again when his fiancée called after catching him ‘sexting’ from a member of the knights’ staff.
But it’s in the rearview mirror for Pearce, who says he’s given up alcohol as a return to the NRL awaits.