The NSW comeback of Mitchell Pearce is over before it even began with the halfback ruled out of contention for State of Origin Game 2 due to injury. The Newcastle Knights player was widely tipped to be recalled for the Blues for next Sunday’s must-win game in Perth but the 30-year-old has succumbed to hip and groin complaints.
NSW coach Brad Fittler revealed Pearce had phoned him on Sunday morning – just hours before the Game 2 team would be revealed – to rule himself out.
“It’s really disappointing for him,” Fittler told the Nine Network. “He was really keen … I spoke to him last night and I knew he had a cork but speaking to him this morning and just then, he’ll be unavailable. It’s a bit of a shame.”
Fittler wouldn’t reveal if Pearce was to be named but his withdrawal could result in incumbent Cody Walker retaining his spot alongside Nathan Cleary, although Penrith veteran James Maloney may earn a recall if Fittler decides to overlook Walker.
Pearce’s injury adds to an injury crisis for the Blues with young prop Payne Haas unavailable for selection. The 19-year-old Haas, who debuted for NSW in game one, injured a hamstring in Brisbane’s 38-10 NRL defeat to Parramatta on Saturday and won’t be able to recover in time.
Pearce and Haas join already injured pair Nick Cotric (ankle) and David Klemmer (wrist) on the sidelines for the Blues. With Haas and Klemmer out, Newcastle’s Daniel Safiti is looking increasingly likely to get the nod for his Origin debut while Brisbane’s Matt Lodge could also earn a first NSW call-up.
Melbourne’s Dale Finucane and Penrith duo Reagan Campbell-Gillard and James Tamou are also in contention for a spot in the Blues’ pack. Cronulla’s Wade Graham is being mooted for a comeback despite being just two games back from a knee injury.
Manly’s Tom Trbojevic, who was unavailable for Game One, and Parramatta’s Blake Ferguson are the likely options to replace Cotric. Fittler said whichever players get the nod he wants a team prepared to stand up to keep the series alive.
“We lacked that little bit of hunger [in Game One],” Fittler said. “As a coach I need to be comfortable with the players that I picked are going to go out there and have that.”