Mitchell Pearce remains in Origin contention despite Roosters’ heavy loss to Broncos

MITCHELL Pearce remains the pick of his peers in NSW but his Roosters teammates were nowhere near that level, putting in an insipid defensive display against the Broncos.

MITCHELL Pearce remains the pick of his peers in NSW.

But as for his Roosters?

Um, no.

After starting the 2017 season with four consecutive wins, the Roosters last night dropped their second straight in a frenzied, and at times confounding, 32-8 loss to Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium.

While Pearce still looked a NSW Origin contender in attack, playing a key hand in the Roosters only two tries, it was the Tricolours confused, clutching, even careless defence which cost them this one.

And the final scoreline, it could have been worse.

Much worse.

Pearce was the only shining light in the Roosters loss.

But do you really need to hear about Brisbane halfback Ben Hunt being robbed of a try eight minutes after the break? Dudded when a short ball from No.6 Anthony Milford was ruled forward in a decision which sat somewhere between ‘huh?’ and howler.

Then minutes later, Hunt was forced off with a hamstring injury. After that, Korbin Sims sidelined by a bung foot.

And when you consider the Broncos themselves butchered three tries ... well, the Roosters could have seriously conceded 50.

So where does this leave Pearce?

For even with seven weeks until Origin I, it seems all anyone wants to talk about is if he should go around with the Blues again.

Shaun Kenny-Dowall had another up-and-down night for the Roosters. Picture: Darren England.

And on Thursday night, supporters of both sides would have found ammunition.

For while the Roosters were embarrassed — to the point they even sent a kick off backwards — Pearce and halves partner Luke Keary still combined for two strong tries in the first half, sending Mitch Aubusson and then Blake Ferguson through holes to score.

Which was enough to keep the enigmatic halfback’s critics at bay, sure. But still, not close to enough.

So what chance we will now see the Roosters halves together with City Origin?

For The Saturday Telegraph understands the pair are both keen to make themselves available for what will be the last ever City-Country game in Mudgee on May 7.

Apart from adding undeniable star power to the historic contest, it would also provide NSW coach Laurie Daley with a look at a potential Blues combination columnist Matthew Johns says deserves “serious consideration”.

And after Thursday night, well, they may want a run with somebody else.

For the Roosters didn’t so much start slow, as late.

By about 15 minutes.

Brisbane, first, gifted the opening try after winger Shaun Kenny-Dowall tried a ridiculous offload on his own 40m line. Within a set, Broncos hooker Andrew McCullough scampering over from dummy half to score.

Then minutes later, the Broncos extended to 8-zip after an Isaac Liu shoulder charge gave them an easy penalty goal.

And then with 14 minutes gone, the home side looked certain to score again, with only a strong tryline tackle by Boyd Cordner on Herman Ese’ese saving them.

Korbin Sims celebrates scoring. Picture: Darren England.

Which seemed to wake the Roosters up.

Somewhat.

The visitors hitting back, with two tries in four minutes, before again being caught out seemingly every time Brisbane got the ball.

And given the Broncos had 61 per cent of possession, it was often.

Indeed, the Roosters defence looked as confused as the conflicting counts of their missed tackles. By the break, Channel Nine were saying it was 30. But Fox Sports Statistics had it at 20.

Regardless, it was plenty.

Originally published as Mitchell Pearce remains in Origin contention despite Roosters’ heavy loss to Broncos