Youngest halves pairing in the NRL in 2016

[Tommy Smith]

Given that 2 players have been arrested and charged recently, I can't see how the NRL can push for any extra punishment. Out of the 3, Pearce was the only one that didn't break any laws.

If the NRL are consistent, surely they can't get involved. Can they?

The key part being "...if the NRL are consistent...".

Never have been. Never will be. And sure as hell aren't right now.

[Bigchook]

I have no real opinion of Pearce. He's a solid footy player. But geez he's copped a shit go from nsw fans for years, the media recently and possibly the nrl. Has there been a bigger scapegoat on nrl history?

[Guest]

I have no real opinion of Pearce. He's a solid footy player. But geez he's copped a shit go from nsw fans for years, the media recently and possibly the nrl. Has there been a bigger scapegoat on nrl history?

At an Origin level I feel his criticism is well deserved. For the Roosters he has had his phases where he does well but he never has kicked on to the next level imo.

Perhaps Pearce has a drinking problem as a result of suffering PTSD after the reaming he copped from Thurston in Origin. It was hilarious and Pearce deserved it. Thurston owns him.

[Guest]

Don't get me wrong, I hope he does really well this year and i'm sure he will in years to come.

But i'm very surprised at how highly fans are rating him, when 95% of them have never seen him play or had never heard of him until we signed him. I think people are rating him so strongly because they are very worried about what might become of the team if our halves fail to fire.

The facts remain:
* He has yet to debut in the NRL
* He will debut alongside a very inexperienced halfback
* Looking at his 2015 stats, although he provides line break potential and scores a good number of tries, his error rate is poor. This will be magnified in first grade.
* He doesn't have the likes of JWH, Pearce, Cordner to look to for leadership on the field.


I just think people should temper there expectations.

Otherwise, if he struggles out of the blocks we will have a chorus of morons calling for his head after 8 rounds.

I'm expecting him to have a tough time of it in the main, although i'm also expecting some brilliance here and there too. To be honest, it will not surprise me to see us 2WINS - 6LOSS after 8 rounds, though I certainly wont crucify any of the boys as long as the effort/passion is there

Good point. I have never seen him touch a ball to be honest.

[Darkone]

These 2 will kill it !

Pearce is in trouble

This Kiwi baby face has no fear,

G Freeman will be proud

[Insider]

I have no real opinion of Pearce. He's a solid footy player. But geez he's copped a shit go from nsw fans for years, the media recently and possibly the nrl. Has there been a bigger scapegoat on nrl history?

Pearce has just been the best of an avge era for NSW halves.The guy is a decent enough footy player but never impressed me as a natural half, he hasn't been a player I've ever looked to as a match winner . Sure he's had his moments, but so has Robson,and I guess he has fitted in well with Robbos style and requirements but once he gets out of our structures and into a nsw jumper the lack of natural ability shows up even more I think. Already Hastings has impressed me as more naturally talented half than Pearce will ever be.

[theGman]

We need Pearce this season.

End of story.

Anything less than 3-4 months punishment is a smack on the wrist. Regardless of how we're performing we must resist the urge of rushing him back into 1st grade. Pearce needs to take his medicine and repent letting his team and supporters down. Maybe just maybe the penny might drop.

[2026]

[QUOTE=theGman;n635657]

Anything less than 3-4 months punishment is a smack on the wrist. Regardless of how we're performing we must resist the urge of rushing him back into 1st grade. Pearce needs to take his medicine and repent letting his team and supporters down. Maybe just maybe the penny might drop.[/QUOTE

4 to 6 games. 25 to 50k fine, forget the captaincy and no more chances.

We need him! Different story if Maloney was still around and i guarantee you Robbo feels the same.

He was our best in 2014, solid throughout last season.

The only time we looked any chance of winning against the Broncos was when Pearce was on.

[Lydon]

We don't need Pearce
We are more than capable with what we currently have,we will be fine!

[2026]

We don't need Pearce
We are more than capable with what we currently have,we will be fine!

Are you saying Nikorima is better? How many games have you watched him play? What is his long kicking game like? How about his organisational skills?
or
What Pearce did is unforgivable and he deserves to be sacked?

[Double]

Are you saying Nikorima is better? How many games have you watched him play? What is his long kicking game like? How about his organisational skills?
or
What Pearce did is unforgivable and he deserves to be sacked?

Hi 2026.

I realise that your asking the question of someone else but if I had to choose based on nothing but the potential shown by one player against the performances on the board by the other, I'd pick Nikorima in a heartbeat. I sincerely hope the reasons are evident by Sat 9.00am EST.

[Steakface]

Hi 2026.

I realise that your asking the question of someone else but if I had to choose based on nothing but the potential shown by one player against the performances on the board by the other, I'd pick Nikorima in a heartbeat. I sincerely hope the reasons are evident by Sat 9.00am EST.

Your choice is:


A halfback who guided the team to 1 premiership, 2 minor premierships and a key play-maker in the leading attacking side in first grade over 3 years
versus
A part-time half back with potential that has yet to play first grade



I've got nothing against Nikorama, but you must have rocks in your head.

[2026]

Hi 2026.

I realise that your asking the question of someone else but if I had to choose based on nothing but the potential shown by one player against the performances on the board by the other, I'd pick Nikorima in a heartbeat. I sincerely hope the reasons are evident by Sat 9.00am EST.

Hi mate,

Robbo made it clear last season that Hastings would move aside once Pearce was fit. This, after watching Hastings play a number of 1st grade games and perform well. To suggest that Nikorima, with no 1st grade experience should dislodge Pearce based on nothing but potential is bizarre.

Forget 9.00am Sat. Where playing a NSW Cup standard side. Round 1 vs the Vermin will have all the Pearce negaters begging for his return.

[JAF]

My 2 cents worth - Pearce has disrespected our jersey and deserves to be punished considering he was our co-captain and therefore had certain responsibilities to our Club.
However, he is still the best #7 at our Club at the moment and once he has served his punishment, then he has every right to fight for his place back into the team.
This should be his final chance with us with no exceptions ...

[Kingsgrove-Loiner]

Anything less than 3-4 months punishment is a smack on the wrist. Regardless of how we're performing we must resist the urge of rushing him back into 1st grade. Pearce needs to take his medicine and repent letting his team and supporters down. Maybe just maybe the penny might drop.

I'd agree with this if it wasn't for the recent incidents with Holmes and Koriosau being swept under the rug.