Mitchell Pearce’s NSW selection gives Roosters halfback a chance to erase his State of Origin pain

MITCHELL Pearce’s 685-day wait to erase the nightmare 52-6 loss he suffered last time he represented NSW in State of Origin is almost over.

WELL Ray Price, you’re on your own.

Returning to the Origin arena, NSW halfback Mitchell Pearce is back, having waited 685 days to erase the 52-6 nightmare of his last state appearance in game three, 2015.

Ignoring the critics, including Price who called for Laurie Daley to never pick the 28-year-old again, Pearce has found career-best form to been handed the reigns of the Blues, alongside five-eighth James Maloney.

The selection of rookie hooker Nathan Peats, whose directive will be to provide clean and quick service, is a clear indication that the Blues attack will be left for Pearce to take control of.

With Maloney, it’s the first Origin series the former Roosters premiership-winning halves combination have played together since 2013.

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No matter the 2017 result, Pearce won’t forget that game. Photo: Gregg Porteous

QLD won the 2013 series, 2-1, with the Blues losing the decider 12-10 at ANZ Stadium in Sydney.

Leading the NRL with 25 try involvements this year, according to Fox Sports Stats, Pearce’s road to redemption following his 2016 Australia Day drama, has enabled the development of him, both as a footballer and as a person.

He began the season alongside Rabbitohs-recruit Luke Keary, with many believing the combination would take time.

But such has been the gel between Pearce and Keary, the Roosters sit third on the NRL ladder while the polarising playmaker also sits third on the Dally M leaderboard.

In Pearce’s corner, the likes of Andrew Johns, Braith Anasta, Michael Ennis and Phil Gould have championed his Origin recall.

Importantly, Daley and his coach Trent Robinson, believe in Pearce’s ability to make his 16th Origin appearance his most important.

“Mitch is a guy who has deserved his position,’’ Daley said.

“He’s really matured and has been taking games by the scruff of the neck this year and he deserves his opportunity again.’’

Pearce’s form has merited his return for NSW. (AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts)

Robinson said he was proud that Pearce had let his football do the talking.

“I don’t want to talk about the road back because I think there’s been enough of that,’’ Robinson said. “But I’m really happy to see him in there.

“He has been chosen on form, not because they didn’t know which halfback to pick. He’s warranted this and that’s the best way to get picked.

“He’s gone out there and led our side very well. No matter the history, he earned that spot and mentally, he’s ready to go.’’