Knights halfback Mitchell Pearce says he feels better suited to life in Newcastle than Sydney
THIS might not please Roosters fans. But after just three months living in Newcastle, Mitchell Pearce has made a stunning admission about his new life.
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SYDNEY Roosters fans, don’t take this as an insult.
But after just three months living in Newcastle, Mitchell Pearce has made a stunning admission about his new life: “I feel better suited to this environment”.
The comment arrived on the eve of Saturday’s sold out trial against Parramatta after the player who spent 11 seasons at the Roosters took time out to visit local primary schools to promote health and wellbeing.
And it is fair to say, Pearce himself has never looked more healthy, or happy.
In no way was it meant to be a put down to the people of Sydney, or a swipe at his old club.
It was just Pearce speaking from the heart.
“The town itself, you don’t experience what rugby league means to Newcastle until you actually get up here and live in the town and be a part of it,” Pearce explained.
“It has been the best move so far. I have loved it.
“And I have loved it for those reasons especially.
“Just how much everyone wants you to do well. You realise what you are playing for here.
“It is a different sort of feeling to Sydney. The boys are great and we are really working hard to be successful. There is definitely something about the country air up here.”
What can’t be disputed is that the man who walked out on the Roosters with heart broken and his career at the crossroads has never appeared more relaxed going into a new season.
“To be honest,” Pearce continued, “I have only been here for not too long but I feel better suited to this environment.
“There is no doubt the culture itself at the club, it is built on a different foundation to what a Sydney club is.
“People tell you that and since I have been here I have really experienced that. I have nothing but praise for how good it is all run up here. From the club to how close everyone is within the staff. It is a real family feel.
“I just absolutely love it so hopefully we can do the town proud.”
Many believe with Pearce driving the Knights’ new-look roster, the club that finished the past three seasons with the wooden spoon now has the potential to shoot straight into the top eight.
Pearce said coach Nathan Brown has made subtle changes to his game over the summer and wants Pearce taking charge on both sides of the field, freeing up speedsters Connor Watson and Kayln Ponga to play their natural games.
Pearce admits he is feeling the pressure, but in a good way.
“I feel relaxed,” he said.
“I am looking forward to it. I have been around long enough to know I am going into a season with pressure. With this team, we haven’t set specific goals of where we want to end up this year. I think the sky is the limit.
“It is a bit of the unknown. It is a new group of players. For me, I am driving that as well as I can. I am trying to turn up every day and be as professional as I can.
“I need to play my best footy to help the team fire. It is obviously massive (expectation) but that is what has motivated me. That is why I came here.
“That is what I am excited about.”