‘I still feel like I’ve got some footy in me’: Mitchell Pearce open to NRL return after surviving rampaging bull in France

Mitchell Pearce is a genuine chance at finishing his career back in the NRL, with a number of Australian clubs desperate to sign a veteran halfback.

Mitchell Pearce playing for Catalans Dragons. Supplied

Veteran halfback Mitchell Pearce says he’s still open to a return to the NRL but remains committed to seeing out the season with Catalans in the English Super League.

The 34-year-old had been linked to the Wests Tigers as a possible replacement for Luke Brooks, who is off contract at the end of the year, but he knocked that back which led to speculation that he’d finish his career in the south of France.

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Pearce is in his second season at the club after a decorated career with the Roosters and Knights, and while there is an option to stay at Catalans in 2024, the former State of Origin playmaker hasn’t closed the door on the NRL.

Halfbacks are hard to find and there aren’t many on the open market. A team like the cashed-up Raiders could make a play for Pearce, while a return to the Roosters could be a left-field option if they can’t settle on a halves pairing.

Mitchell Pearce is in his second season with Catalans, but a return to the NRL could be on the horizon. Picture: Supplied

“I’m still open. I’ll wait and see what happens,” Pearce told SEN Radio.

“Obviously, the Tigers thing came up the other week, but I declined on that. I was really grateful, and it was nice respect from the Tigers, but I’m committed here for this season and I’m loyal to the club to try to win the comp this year.

“We’ll wait and see what happens next year. I’m obviously getting older and you appreciate every season you play at this age.

“I still feel like I’ve got some footy in me, but I’m fully committed to this season. I’ll see what happens after that.”

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Pearce returned from a minor calf strain over the weekend to help Catalans beat St Helens in a game that was overshadowed by a rampaging bull that got loose during the pre-game warm-up and forced players to flee in fear.

“It was bizarre,” Pearce laughed.

“The club owner had organised some bulls to do a show lap before the game. He’s in the meat industry – that’s his business – so it was obviously a bit of a promotion thing.

“As we all came out to do the warm-up, we all had red shirts on because that’s the colour of the club, so the bulls got a bit worked up and just started charging at the boys in the warm-up.

“It was crazy. Our captain Benny Garcia had to jump the fence (because) one of the bulls was charging at him. It was a bit weird because you’re trying to concentrate on the game, but then everyone was having a laugh and everyone was kind of scared.

“It was the weirdest thing I’ve ever seen.”

Catalans chairman Bernard Guasch came up with the idea, but Pearce doesn’t think we’ll see it happen again in Perpignan.

Pearce and the other players weren’t hurt by the bull. Picture; Lee Parker – CameraSport via Getty Images

“It’s not a common thing,” the halfback said.

“The CEO got us in before the game and mentioned there was going to be some pre-match entertainment. I don’t think they’ll be doing that again.

“I sent it to all my mates back home after the game and I was laughing at that.

“We didn’t know what was going on because we were going through our quick hands (drill) and then one of the bulls started charging at the team, and the boys were flying from every direction.

“One of the bulls escaped (from a gate to let the players onto the field) and all the fans were around there running for cover.”