True Blue Wayne Pearce will remember his son Mitchell as the ultimate competitor no matter what Rugby League arena he played in.
Pearce, 34, announced via his social media account that he would be retiring at the end of 2023.
He is currently playing his second season with the Catalans Dragons in Super League, where his team sits second on the ladder.
The skilful halfback made a name for himself in the NRL with 309 games over 15 years with two clubs – the Sydney Roosters and Newcastle Knights – alongside 19 Origins for the NSW Blues across eight series.
“In the pressure cooker of Origin and in an era when Queensland really had some future Immortals playing, it was a tough challenge,” Wayne told nswrl.com.au
“But he absolutely gave it his all every time he played for the Blues.”
Pearce had been discussing hanging up the boots with his parents and close confidantes and there’s genuine hopes he will stay in Rugby League in some capacity.
“I’ve been talking to him for quite a while about what he was going to do, but he’s very comfortable with what he’s achieved,” Wayne said.
“He’s in a good space so he’s more than happy with retirement.
“He’s got strong ties to the game and he’s got a lot to offer so I think he’ll stay involved in the game in some shape or form – whether that’s here back home or overseas. He hasn’t made his mind up yet.
“He also might pursue some other areas as he’s got a few interests he wants to explore.”
Looking back at his son’s career, which started in March 2007 as No.7 for the Roosters, a few characteristics stick out.
“What I liked about him as a footballer was the preparation he put in,” Wayne said.
“He was 100 per cent as far as preparation was concerned because he had such a good work ethic.
“He was also curious – continually trying to learn more and that’s what a good halfback does.
“You see the best halfbacks in the game now are pretty much all in their 30s because it takes so long to master the skills.
“He was fit and ultra-competitive with everything he did.”
Mitchell Pearce scored three tries in his 19 games for the Westpac NSW Blues in a career that began in Game Three 2008 and ended lifting the State of Origin Shield in Game Three 2019.
