NRL 2021: Mitchell Pearce opens up on his ability to fight back from adversity ahead of 300th game

If there’s one thing Mitchell Pearce has been good at over the years it’s been his ability to bounce back from adversity. And it’s that trait that could, one day, see him rival The Accountant.

Mitchell Pearce plays his 300th game this weekend. Picture: NRL Photos

So you ask Mitchell Pearce, on the eve of NRL game 300, for a piece of advice to give Joseph Suaalii.

Or any kid, right?

Understanding how when it comes to surviving in rugby league — that most unforgiving of beasts tagged, somewhat deceptively, The Greatest Game Of All — few have more skin in the game than Pearce.

This enigmatic Newcastle No.7 who not only debuted in first grade at 17, or got tossed, completely unprepared, into Origin a year later, but has since spent 15 winters in almost every possible scenario the code could think up — plus, a couple more even your favoured paperback writer couldn’t conjure.

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Mitchell Pearce is still mixing it with the best in his 15th season in the NRL.

Yet since 2007, Pearce has continually stood among the game’s greatest halfbacks.

Time and again, dusting off from controversy which, no matter if caused by himself, a Queensland Origin juggernaut, or even some d***head with an iPhone and zero conscience, have proved incapable of killing him.

Indeed, speak with Matthew Johns and he’ll tell you Pearce plays his best footy off the back of drama.

Adamant that, apart from being more resilient than even, say, Gumby’s green plasticine body, adversity also refines the playmaker’s focus.

Strengthens it.

To which the man himself says what?

“Yeah, I agree,” Pearce says simply.

“Rugby league is all about getting off the deck, going again.

Pearce celebrates winning the 2013 grand final with Anthony Minichiello.

“And I’ve always been quite good at that, I feel.

“I’ve always prided myself on showing strength after adversity.”

So again, what advice now for Suaalii, this newest Roosters prodigy set to enter a world you’ve survived better, and longer, than so many hundreds of others?

“Stay in the moment,” Pearce continues.

“Take out the white noise, take in all the knowledge you can … then go embrace every day.

“That’s what I’d say.”

Yet what of those days when, eventually, Suaalii finds himself a punching bag for the critics, just as you have more than once?

“When you sign on to play NRL, that’s all part of it,” continues the halfback not only boasting both an NRL premiership ring and Origin series, but also the potential to play more first grade games than even Cameron Smith.

Mitchell Pearce on debut for the Roosters in 2007. Picture: NRL Photos

“So when the negative stuff does come, cop your medicine.

“That’s my mindset.

“But also, don’t underestimate the love that comes your way, either.

“Because when you’re doing the right thing and winning, there are plenty of compliments and pats on the back.”

None of which was more evident for Pearcey than Monday.

When on the eve of joining rugby league’s elite 300 Club, this greatest of NRL survivors spoke with News Corp as a part of an intense media morning which, starting from 7am, saw the playmaker work through some 20 separate interviews with journalists, both in person and over the phone.

Already the youngest player to reach 200 NRL games, Pearce now hits his third century on pace with Melbourne great Smith.

So as for eventually passing The Accountant’s mark of 430 NRL games?

Pearce has endured plenty of controversy during his career.

Certainly it’s possible.

Especially when you consider Sunday’s 300th game against Wests Tigers — ironically, the club where his father, Wayne, still holds legendary status — comes not only with Newcastle unbeaten, but Pearce again finding form off the adversity that is having your wedding canned, Knights captaincy stripped, and being re-signed for only one year.

So in the midst of all this going on, what exactly does that 300 figure mean?

“Good question,” the halfback says. “Because I know when you first set out (in rugby league), you’re not thinking ‘oh, I want to make this milestone’.

“Your focus tends to be more week to week.

“Or really, day to day.

“So for me, I’m just so grateful to be doing what I love.

“And doing it for what’s been a long time now, too.

Could Pearce challenge Cameron Smith’s games record? Picture: Getty Images

“I wouldn’t be as happy if I wasn’t out there on the field competing alongside my teammates.”

Better, the milestone ensures a spotlight on everything great not only with Pearce’s game, but also him.

“And in footy, there really is so much love,” he insists.

“Love from supporters, from family and teammates, all those people who ride the wave with you.

“So milestones like this one, they’re special because, collectively, we can all enjoy the moment together.”