Sydney Roosters skipper Boyd Cordner ready to play “close mate” Mitchell Pearce

BOYD Cordner could not help himself cheering for the Knights last weekend. Next week he’s got to stop his old mate and matchwinner Mitchell Pearce doing it to the Roosters.

Mitchell Pearce after his matchwinner against Manly. (Brett Costello)

BOYD Cordner could not help himself cheering for the Knights when his good friend Mitchell Pearce slotted a field goal to hand Newcastle a golden point victory against Manly in round one.

Now for the first time in Boyd’s eight year career he is preparing to face Pearce who will lead a host of ex-Roosters when they square off next Sunday. Provided Pearce, Aidan Guerra, Connor Watson and Shaun Kenny-Dowall come through Sunday’s clash against Canberra unscathed, the quartet will line-up for Newcastle against the Roosters.

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Mitchell Pearce after his matchwinner against Manly. (Brett Costello)

Most eyes will be on Pearce following his high profile departure after being squeezed out of the club for Cooper Cronk.

“I know him really well,” Cordner said of Pearce. “He never plays a bad game. It’s going to be a good challenge for us to come up against him and to try and nullify what he can do with the footy. He’ll be looking forward to it as much as us.

“He is really happy. He loves Newcastle, he loves living there and the fact it’s a one town team and how much support and how much they love rugby league.

Cordner was pleased for his mate’s big win (Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)

“He has grown to love the place and club. He is in a good spot. As a mate I’m happy for him.”

The Roosters overcame the first round jitters to put in a polished display against Canterbury on Friday night with the returning Luke Keary starring. Cordner — who said his side has a lot of improvement in them — acknowledges it will be “weird” playing against so many close friends.

“You’re playing against your mates,” Cordner said. “All those boys are good mates with most of us. It is exciting. It makes for good viewing.

“You look forward to playing these games. If get too caught up in playing your mates you will lose sight of the main points.

“Although it’s going to be good coming up against those guys, we have a job to do. That will be the case next Sunday.”

Originally published as Sydney Roosters skipper Boyd Cordner ready to play “close mate” Mitchell Pearce