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BY his own account, Mitchell Pearce wasn't at his best in Origin III. And Blues fans might now be wondering if Pearce should deserve an automatic chance to prove what he's really capable of.
The No. 7 has now played nine Origin games for just two wins, and is yet to establish himself on the Origin arena.
While his Queensland opposite Cooper Cronk was hailed for kicking the winning field goal on Wednesday night, and Johnathan Thurston was awarded man of the match, Pearce was forced to shoulder much of the blame for the Blues' latest series defeat.
There is little doubt NSW selectors will begin to look elsewhere next year for a Blues playmaker to help end the Maroons' dominance.
TAB Sportsbet, at the request of The Daily Telegraph, released a mock market on the NSW No. 7 for next year, with Roosters star Pearce $2 favourite. Brisbane's Peter Wallace ($3.50) and Todd Carney ($7) were next in betting, with rookie South Sydney halfback Adam Reynolds and Jarrod Mullen both $11 hopes.
"It was a bit mixed, it wasn't my best night," Pearce said yesterday as he arrived at Sydney airport, only to be quickly told by an official not to comment.
"We did well to get back into the game, but it wasn't the best."
Asked if he thought he'd be retained for next year's series, Pearce said: "I haven't even had time to think about it."
Brett Kimmorley, who played 10 games for NSW at halfback, said Pearce did not deserve an automatic recall.
"I know he's copped criticism today, and it did seem both halves were a bit quiet (but) I'm not sure if he does deserve (any guarantees)," Kimmorley said.
"I know NSW had a wonderful series and they got close, but look at the end result, and the difference was Thurston having a massive impact on game three, and Cronk kicking the winning field goal.
"Our forwards are good enough to challenge their forwards.
"I don't know if you can say (Pearce) needs to be in the side next year. Wallace might continue to do well and ... Mitchell might continue to be hot and cold.
"This whole time Queensland have dominated they've had a six and seven in Darren Lockyer and Thurston, two of the greatest players in the world in those (halves) positions.
"They lose Lockyer and get Cooper Cronk to come in.
"We've got good NRL players, they've got the world's best players in key positions."
BY his own account, Mitchell Pearce wasn't at his best in Origin III. And Blues fans might now be wondering if Pearce should deserve an automatic chance to prove what he's really capable of.
The No. 7 has now played nine Origin games for just two wins, and is yet to establish himself on the Origin arena.
While his Queensland opposite Cooper Cronk was hailed for kicking the winning field goal on Wednesday night, and Johnathan Thurston was awarded man of the match, Pearce was forced to shoulder much of the blame for the Blues' latest series defeat.
There is little doubt NSW selectors will begin to look elsewhere next year for a Blues playmaker to help end the Maroons' dominance.
TAB Sportsbet, at the request of The Daily Telegraph, released a mock market on the NSW No. 7 for next year, with Roosters star Pearce $2 favourite. Brisbane's Peter Wallace ($3.50) and Todd Carney ($7) were next in betting, with rookie South Sydney halfback Adam Reynolds and Jarrod Mullen both $11 hopes.
"It was a bit mixed, it wasn't my best night," Pearce said yesterday as he arrived at Sydney airport, only to be quickly told by an official not to comment.
"We did well to get back into the game, but it wasn't the best."
Asked if he thought he'd be retained for next year's series, Pearce said: "I haven't even had time to think about it."
Brett Kimmorley, who played 10 games for NSW at halfback, said Pearce did not deserve an automatic recall.
"I know he's copped criticism today, and it did seem both halves were a bit quiet (but) I'm not sure if he does deserve (any guarantees)," Kimmorley said.
"I know NSW had a wonderful series and they got close, but look at the end result, and the difference was Thurston having a massive impact on game three, and Cronk kicking the winning field goal.
"Our forwards are good enough to challenge their forwards.
"I don't know if you can say (Pearce) needs to be in the side next year. Wallace might continue to do well and ... Mitchell might continue to be hot and cold.
"This whole time Queensland have dominated they've had a six and seven in Darren Lockyer and Thurston, two of the greatest players in the world in those (halves) positions.
"They lose Lockyer and get Cooper Cronk to come in.
"We've got good NRL players, they've got the world's best players in key positions."
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