NRL 2021: Knights coach launches stunning defence of re-signed Mitchell Pearce

Mitchell Pearce admits dealing with criticism has been ‘the story of my career’ but, armed with a fresh contract, he’s determined to help the Knights ‘get the job done’ this year.

Mitchell Pearce addressing the media after stepping down as captain. Picture: AAP Image/Darren Pateman

Newcastle coach Adam O’Brien has launched a stunning personal defence of re-signed halfback Mitchell Pearce, claiming his often under-fire star had never been violent before suggesting critics “just keep coming at him”.

It comes as Pearce admitted condemnation had been “the story of my career” and “I am sure it will be there again this year”.

Pearce, who signed a new one-year deal with the Knights for 2022 on Tuesday, endured a challenging off-season but O’Brien stressed his halfback “never runs away, never makes an excuse and always fronts up”.

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O’Brien’s staunch support of Pearce comes ahead of Friday night’s anticipated game against Canterbury at McDonald Jones Stadium.

Pearce’s off-season was marred after his wedding to fiance Kristin Scott was called off after the former NSW halfback allegedly sent flirty text messages to a young female club employee.

“The thing I admire most about him is that he has never made an excuse and has always fronted up. They are human beings, even the best players, even the leaders, even the captains, they’re still human beings, and they make mistakes,” O’Brien said.

The planned wedding between Mitchell Pearce and his fiancee Kristin Scott was called off.

“But the one thing you want from your leaders and your best players is that when they do make a mistake, they don’t run away from it, they stand in front of it.

“And that is exactly what Mitchell has done every time.

“Unfortunately, he has had to do it a few times but he stands in front of the cameras, he fronts the media and he doesn’t walk away from it. And at the same time he has copped a couple of big whacks, hasn’t he?

“I need to word this carefully, because I don’t want to get anyone off-side, but he has never been violent.

“Yes, he has hurt people close to him but he’s never had to front up for being violent.

“He has made some stupid, stupid mistakes, which he has owned, and you can’t ask for much more than that. He’s not a bad person. I won’t go in depth about his relationship and how that is tracking, that is his business.

“I can just see he’s in the best spot he can be in at the moment.

“He has shown some toughness and resilience.

“They just keep coming at him and he just keeps fronting up every day and doesn’t shirk his responsibilities. He just gets on with it, I love coaching him.”

Mitchell Pearce remains a big part of Newcastle’s plans.

Pearce was asked whether the on-field criticism he attracted last year was unfair.

Candidly, he said: “No, it was all pretty warranted. I don’t read all the criticism to be honest, but it’s been the story of my career.

“It’s not something that I value or listen to in regards to what I want out of myself and what my teammates want out of me.

“And I am sure it will be there again this year. It’s part of footy and being a halfback. I’ve prepared as well as I can and we, as a team, will strive to play our best footy week in, week out.”

Already under contract for this year, Pearce will now remain a Knight at least until the end of next season.

Some close to the club felt Pearce might be disappointed with a one-year extension, but the player was unfazed.

“No, no, I think it’s a good agreement from the club. Being a bit older, who knows how long you’re going to play for,” Pearce said.

“That (one year deal) is what I’ve done at the moment. At the end of the day, it’s great to have the security of next year, but all that matters is this week and this year.

Adam O’Brien has jumped to the defence of Pearce. Picture: AAP Image/Darren Pateman

“I appreciate every day I’m at training and I still feel as fresh and hungry as I ever have. Mentally, I feel great.

“Obviously it was a challenging couple of months there, no doubt about that.

“But to come back around the boys and the club and get the support that I did, it will be something I will always be grateful for.

“Since coming up here, I have been striving hard to achieve what we want to achieve. I see myself as a Knight now and I really want to get a job done with the club and the boys.

“It’s time to give back to the club this year.

“It’s nice to stop the (contract) chatter, for sure and to lock in your future. Everyone likes to feel secure. I couldn’t be happier, my mind is purely on footy now. It’s a real show of faith from the club, so it’s time to repay the club.

“My mind is purely on getting the job done here and it starts this week.”

Newcastle has prepared long and hard for a round one game against what looks a vastly improved Bulldogs side.

“The Dogs, they’re going to be tough. They are a competitive side who have had a lot of changes with their coaching staff and playing group. We know what we’re in for,” Pearce said.

Newcastle player Phoenix Crossland has been suspended for one match and fined $900 – with 50 per cent suspended for 12 months – after being involved in an altercation at a Newcastle pub.

No-one was hurt in what has been described as a “push and shove” and police weren’t called. Crossland reported the incident to the NRL’s integrity unit.

An NRL statement read: “In determining the penalty, the NRL took into account that the player proactively reported the incident, co-operated with the integrity unit and written submissions made in response to a breach notice.”

The fine was small given Crossland’s minimal contract.

Originally published as NRL 2021: Knights coach launches stunning defence of re-signed Mitchell Pearce