James Maloney has backed Mitchell Pearce’s decision to not play Origin in 2016
JAMES Maloney has backed Mitchell Pearce’s decision to stand himself down from Origin — even though it may cost the Cronulla playmaker his own place in the side.
NRL
Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
JAMES Maloney is willing to sacrifice a NSW Origin jersey for close mate Mitchell Pearce, revealing: “My first priority is that he’s okay”.
Speaking with The Saturday Telegraph from inside Country camp, Maloney backed Pearce’s decision to stand himself down from the 2016 Origin series — even though it may cost the Cronulla playmaker his own place in the side.
It’s understood Blues coach Laurie Daley was keen on reuniting the former Roosters premiership pairing next month, and was shocked when told Pearce wanted out to focus on his ongoing alcohol rehabilitation.
“But if that’s his call, sweet,’’ Maloney said.
“The most important thing is for Pearcey to get himself sorted. We only got together the other day and he seemed in a really good space. Really happy.
“So if playing Origin is going to jeopardise that then, yeah, stay out. And he’s the only one can make that call.”
Told Pearce’s withdrawal could seriously hurt his own Origin hopes — especially with Daley preferring halves with a strong relationship — the Cronulla No.6 continued: “If that’s the way it is, so be it. Yes, Origin is something I want to be involved in again.
“But I’m certainly not going to kick up a stink about Pearcey not wanting to play.
“We’re really good mates. And seeing him in such a good space the other day, that’s all I want.
“As I said, the first priority is ensuring he sorts out what needs to be sorted out. And if that means not playing Origin, so be it.”
Maloney added: “Besides, if I’m going to play for NSW, I really should be able to get there on my own merits, not somebody else’s.
“So if I do miss out on the NSW side, I don’t think it would be purely on a combination (with Pearce). I think there would have to be other issues involved. Not just that one.”
As revealed by The Daily Telegraph, Pearce is set to rule himself out of NSW contention this year, convinced ongoing rehabilitation means he is not yet ready for the pressures of Origin football.
Suspended for the opening eight rounds following a boozey Australia Day drama, the Roosters halfback returned to the NRL last weekend with a Man of the Match performance against Newcastle.
So strong was Pearce in his return that he and Maloney, also outstanding for Cronulla over the opening two months, were favoured to reignite that same partnership which claimed the 2013 NRL premiership.
Not anymore.
It means the only stumbling block for Pearce to overcome now is a rule stating no player can stand themselves down for a single Origin season, but must quit the Blues altogether.
Pearce, however, is hoping to receive a special leave pass from coach Daley and NSWRL boss Dave Trodden given his extenuating circumstances. A request which would surely be granted.
Originally published as James Maloney has backed Mitchell Pearce’s decision to not play Origin in 2016
Buy, Hold, Sell: Kiraz Origin shock creates SuperCoach scramble
The final big bye is here and with it a host of issues, including how to handle the unavailability of Jacob Kiraz and whether to sell Tino Fa’asuamaleaui as his form plummets due to injury.
Immortal cut, Klein in: The 50 most influential people in rugby league
Player power has muscled its way into rugby league’s most influential list of 2025 as some of the biggest and most respected names in the code fell out of the rankings for the first time. See our 50 to 1 rankings here.