Pearce making his own name

parragirl · Posted: Thu Feb 14, 2008 12:16 am Post subject: Pearce making his own name

Weight of expectation ... Mitchell Pearce says that he now feels no pressure relating to his famous family name.

By Chris Wilson
February 10, 2008 12:00am

THERE was a time when Mitchell Pearce would see his name in print and cringe. As a star schoolboy, he would read his name in a newspaper article and question whether he'd received the attention through achievement or by association.

"It used to worry me, to be honest,'' said the 18-year-old son of former Balmain and Australia lock Wayne "Junior'' Pearce.

"But as you progress and start to get a name for yourself, it doesn't worry me as much any more.''

Pearce's surname has been inked into his left shoulder in the form of a fresh tattoo.

And the Sydney Roosters halfback says he now feels no pressure relating to his name or playing position approaching his pivotal second season in the NRL.

Expectation

AFTER three years without finals football, expectations have exploded at Bondi Junction this season with the addition of Test forwards Willie Mason and Mark O'Meley, and the return of fullback Anthony Minichiello from a long-term back injury.

Pearce, contracted to the Roosters for the next three seasons, is excited by the responsibility of being the club's key link man.

"Getting the forwards we've got now with Mase, Ogre, Anthony Tupou, all the forwards have come out of their shells, it's going to make my job a lot easier,'' Pearce said.

"Expectations from ourselves and other people ... we should make the top eight. If we don't it'll be pretty disappointing.''

While Pearce credited new coach Brad Fittler for the dramatic change of form at the Roosters late last season, he also said club captain Craig Fitzgibbon had rallied his players.

"Maybe the boys woke up and realised it wasn't the coach's fault, it was our fault, and pulled their finger out,'' Pearce said.

"Ricky (Stuart) got brushed, Opes (Chris Anderson) got the brush; I think Fitzy had a talk to everyone and said, 'pull your finger out'.''

Combinations

PEARCE has developed a strong relationship with Mason, who will defend beside him this season.

He has also been building links with five-eighth Braith Anasta, under halves coach Adrian Lam.

But Pearce believes his pairing with former Melbourne hooker James Aubusson will be most crucial. The pair are so determined to gel, they're even looking to move into an apartment together in Coogee.

"If you're around someone all the time you naturally get that connection and I think it's important for the team that me and him can get a good combination,'' Pearce said.

Fitness

PEARCE has gained 5kg in the off-season, working hard on his core strength to try to prevent a recurrence of the stress injury that affected his back in 2007.

"I feel really good now, I'm doing a lot of stretching - fingers crossed that's behind me,'' Pearce said.

"You look at Mini and I'm lucky. He's been out for two years with a back injury. It's nothing as serious as that, but it all starts somewhere and you've got to stay on top of it.''

http://www.news.com.au/dailyteleg.../0,22049,23187215-5006066,00.html

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