Mitchell Pearce video scandal: Former Roosters boss Brian Canavan wishes troubled star well

FORMER Roosters boss Brian Canavan has not spoken to Mitchell Pearce, but says the troubled halfback’s health was the primary concern.

29/1/16 Mitchell Pearce speaking for the first time after Australia day incident in Surry Hills. Adam Yip/Daily Telegraph

FORMER Roosters boss Brian Canavan says he has not spoken to troubled halfback Mitchell Pearce, as he settles in to his new job with the Titans.

Canavan, who started as the Gold Coast’s COO on Friday, said he was aware that Pearce was overseas seeking treatment and had not made direct contact with his former club’s co-captain.

“Not directly,” Canavan said when asked by The Courier-Mail if he had spoken to Pearce.

“Obviously caring for the people around it ... Mitchell has been documented as overseas. We just wish him all the best in terms of his own personal health and the other issues fall out after that.”

The 26-year-old playmaker has left the country after footage leaked of him at an Australia Day party where he was drunk, tried to force himself on a woman and simulated sex with a dog.

It is understood Pearce is seeking treatment for alcohol-related issues.

Mitchell Pearce addressed the media briefly last Friday. Picture: Adam Yip

Canavan would not be drawn on whether he thought Pearce would fit in at the Titans if he was eventually released by the Roosters.

“There could be another player of that calibre sitting in the ranks,” he said, referring to the young Titans roster.

“They all come through. And they come through quickly in professional sport.”

Originally published as Mitchell Pearce video scandal: Former Roosters boss Brian Canavan wishes troubled star well