SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 21: Mitchell Pearce of the Blues looks dejected during game two of the State Of Origin series between the New South Wales Blues and the Queensland Maroons at ANZ Stadium on June 21, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

Following their game two destruction, the ideal situation for Brad Fittler and his Blues staff would have been to name an unchanged lineup for next Wednesday's decider.

In fact, that is exactly what they did.

Unfortunately for the NSW brass Origin football very rarely works that way with the squad being dealt two late blows forcing two changes.

Tariq Sims was suspended after a high shot on Michael Morgan, while first choice halfback Nathan Cleary has been ruled out through injury.

When it comes to changes, a straight swap on the bench isn't exactly the worst case scenario, but losing your halfback most certainly is.

Although Cleary has failed to light up the series in the opening game and a half he ran out for, his injury has caused an unwanted headache for Blues selectors and has provided one massive distraction.

The story isn't so much in that Nathan Cleary has been ruled out, but more-so in who has been called into the squad to replace him.

Despite calls to shift existing squad members such as Wade Graham or even Jack Wighton into the halves to partner James Maloney, Brad Fittler has made the brave decision to name Mitchell Pearce to wear the number seven.

On the surface this decision seems like an absolute no brainer.

Form halfback who has won a Premiership with Maloney at club level and has represented the Blues on 18 previous occasions.

Despite all the undoubted talent and experience Pearce brings with him into camp for the Game Three decider next Wednesday, he also brings with him the unwanted narrative that is a difficult Origin career to date ... that's saying the VERY least.

The player himself will need no reminding that despite having featured in almost 20 Origin games he is yet to guide his side to a series victory.

The only two series wins enjoyed by the Blues in the past decade have been the series where Pearce has not featured.

Not for a second am I suggesting that Pearce has been soley responsible for the Blues being unable to beat their northern rivals on multiple occasions, but as halfback Pearce is always going to wear the brunt of criticism.

The general feeling is that he has failed to aim up with the game on the line when it mattered most.

Truthfully, there's nothing incorrect about that statement. He is yet to stand up in a decider and put forth a man of the match effort such as his counterparts in Maroon have done.

He's played some brilliant Origin Games in his career. He's earned his Origin jumpers by being the best halfback available 18 times.

The fact he doesn't have a series win despite these facts is alarming and rightly has people wondering why Fittler would go back to him YET AGAIN.

Personally, I was shocked that Pearce's name was announced when Cleary was ruled out. I was certain Wade Graham would shift with Klemmer onto the bench.

I absolutely wouldn't have chosen Graham in the halves but after Gutherson was named as the shadow player I assumed Cleary was either going to be fit, or that the shift would come by Wade.

To say this is Pearce's last chance at this level is an understatement. Although I thought that the last three series in which he failed to drive the Blues to victory, so who knows!?

Win, loss or draw, the narrative is going to centre around the NSW number seven.

If the Blues lift the shield on Wednesday night it will be the ultimate redemption story. Pearce FINALLY leads his state to victory. Legend, statue erected outside ANZ Stadium.

If the Blues are outplayed by the Maroons and drop a home decider then Pearce will be absolutely hung out to dry regardless of how he plays.

I don't think I've ever seen one squad change completely alter the way a game is looked at, quite like this.

This game is now about Mitchell Pearce just as much as it is about NSW vs QLD.

Can the Roosters Premiership winner handle the pressure? Fair to say he's struggled with it in the past.

Klemmer's move into the side barely registers. Sims was unlucky to be suspended but Klemmer should have been there anyways, and if anything strengthens the side.

Pearce though, this move has created a media storm and will have literally millions of people glued to the screen to see how the story ends.

5 COMMENTS

  1. As much as I don’t think Pearce is a good halfback, when under pressure.
    I don’t see how you lose a lot compared to Cleary ? He hasn’t done much in attack in any game he’s played. As long as Pearce can get across & do some cover tackles.
    Dito for Sims. He didn’t do anything great in the last game.

  2. Hey ZT why have you deleted my earlier post for providing you with constructive criticism on how to improve your website?

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