So, State of Origin is done and dusted for another 12 months
and Queensland have won eight straight series. The Blues tried hard but
ultimately the Maroons had just that little of bit extra class in the tank to get
them home.
Fans are the harshest critics, and in the aftermath of the
absorbing finale, fans on social media are calling for Mitchell Pearce’s head.
Let me say two things.
One, it is not Mitchell Pearce’s fault that Queensland won
game three. He tried hard all night, as he has all series, and as he did in all
of the previous series he has played in.
Two, there is absolutely no way Pearce should be selected
next year.
Contradictory statements? Not at all. Let me explain. I
absolutely agree with what both Peter Sterling and Laurie Daley said on Sterlo last night. Pearce never gave up
during the game and you can’t fault his effort.
But unfortunately, despite his efforts, he just isn’t a
talented enough Number 7 for the Origin arena.
It’s not his fault. It’s Laurie Daley’s.
In a bizarre and stubborn show of support for the NSW
incumbent, NSW coach Daley declared well before Origin season that he’d be
going with Pearce at halfback despite the stellar form of South Sydney’s Adam
Reynolds. At the time, to be fair, Pearce was in great club form for the
Roosters while history has shown that blooding young stars too early can be to
their detriment, a la Jarrod Mullen 2007.
But Daley didn’t even consider
Reynolds. He’d made up his mind.
Fast forward to Wednesday night – and up against the class
of Queensland halves Jonathan Thurston and Cooper Cronk, Pearce and James Maloney
– who are both doing a wonderful job for the Roosters, who are sitting in
second place and poised for a top four finish – were unable to come up with the
winning play or late tackle option to put NSW over for the win.
Changes must and hopefully will be made for 2014. Adam
Reynolds must play. Daley should also strongly consider reinstating Todd Carney
for his magical ability to make plays out of nothing.
But for those people looking to point the finger of blame in
2013, it isn’t Mitchell Pearce’s fault he got picked. Nobody can fault him for
then turning up and trying his hardest.
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