Proof Mitchell Pearce has turned a corner

THE long road to redemption for Mitchell Pearce has begun and the former Roosters skipper is already surprising people.

NRL Rd 2 - Raiders v Roosters

THE long road to redemption for Mitchell Pearce has begun, with the former Roosters skipper working hard in his first week back at training.

On top of excelling on the training paddock and helping the club’s young halves, Big League can reveal Pearce also devoted his own time to assisting underprivileged children in a Redfern-based gym.

NRL ambassador and former Rooster Dean Widders recently spotted Pearce at a community-organised boxing session.

Widders has no doubts the dumped playmaker will learn valuable lessons from his time at the gym working with kids, some held back by a life of drugs and no parents.

“It was a bit of a surprise — but a good one — to see Mitch down there at 5.30am in the morning,” Widders said.

Mitchell Pearce back at training with the Sydney Roosters.

“Some of those kids don’t have too many options in life. It’s really restricted for them.

“Drugs are crippling communities, but a lot of these kids are learning not to let that hold them back. They’re soldiering on and finding ways to help themselves and it makes you appreciate what you have. You can see that’s already happening with Mitch.

“I’ve seen him at a couple of different community events and in no way did I tell him to come or organise them.

“That (controversy) stuff is a reality check. It makes you wake up to yourself and see just how blessed you are to be playing at the top of the game.”

Pearce’s mindset has improved since his well-publicised Australia Day drama and subsequent $125,000 fine and eight-week ban. He’s also had a positive influence on his teammates, who are struggling after their disappointing 0-2 start to the season.

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Pearce can be regularly seen helping young halves Jayden Nikorima and Jackson Hastings and offering his opinion in video sessions.

Widders couldn’t be happier to see Pearce making progress, but stresses it’s all about the long-term.

“Mitch could come to 100 training sessions, but if he has one night out like last time he’s just going to undo it all,” he said.

“He’s got to learn to make better decisions. I think he can bounce back.

“He has certainly taken steps towards doing that and I hope he can become the man that everyone knows he can be.”

Pearce will return against Newcastle at Allianz Stadium in round nine.

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Originally published as Proof Mitchell Pearce has turned a corner