State of Origin 2017: What it takes to play like Pearce

Imagine repeatedly running the 120-metre length of a rugby league field from dead-ball line to dead-ball line for 80 minutes, while making tackles and being tackled, or passing or kicking the ball and continually shouting directions to teammates.

That is what NSW halfback Mitchell Pearce did in State of Origin I, and tracking devices worn by the Blues and Maroons showed he again played with the highest intensity of any player in Origin II, while also running the furthest (8.2 kilometres) and fastest (33.7km/h).

Pearce, who will head into Wednesday night's decider at Suncorp Stadium with the chance to win his first Origin series in a Blues jersey, can lay claim to being arguably the fittest player on the field after averaging an intensity of 120.4 metres per minute in Origin I and 112 metres per minute in Origin II.

The Catapult data, which has been made public for the first time through the Telstra Tracker, impressed even those who work closely with Pearce at Sydney Roosters and to highlight the athleticism and endurance of the game's stars, Coogee Dolphins and Moore Park Broncos players wore the devices last weekend.

High intensity: Mitchell Pearce crosses the line for the Blues in Origin I this year.Credit: Bradley Kanaris

"It is good to compare with the Origin boys but they are at a different level than we are," Moore Park fullback Arana Taumata said. "At this level, it is a little bit hard … we only train two days during the week leading up to a game but it is good to get a gauge of where we are at individually."

Taumata, who has played for seven NRL clubs and twice represented New Zealand Maori, ran 4872.28m and played with an intensity of 77.61 metres per minute, while sprinting the fourth fastest velocity (29.52km/h) recorded in the match, which was won 34-10 by Moore Park.

In comparison, Blues fullback James Tedesco covered 5897.2m in Origin II, recorded an intensity of 103.4 metres per minute and had a top speed of 32.5km/h.

Coogee Dolphins five-eighth Joe Cramp ran the furthest of his team (6570.48m), recorded the highest intensity (102.32 metres per minute) and equalled centre Matthew Marks for the fastest sprint (30.24km/h) – figures comparable to a regular NRL match.

"Anywhere from 90 metres per minute to 105 metres per minute is good," Roosters speed and conditioning coach Hayden Knowles said. "That is why I was so in awe of Mitchell Pearce in Origin. When I saw those numbers I knew that this was another level of rugby league [to the NRL]."

Brad Walter is a reporter for NRL.com.au