The predicaments of Pearce & Paul

Gallen and Pearce during Wednesday night's humiliation against Queensland. Both player's futures in the Origin jersey are clouded.

The New South Wales captain, Paul Gallen, and halfback of 2015, Mitchell Pearce, both find themselves in curious predicaments following Wednesday night’s loss to Queensland. Gallen is nearing the end of a polarizing career that has spanned almost 15 years at the top level of Rugby League. Pearce is in the middle of his career, at the claimed prime position of the average ten year window Rugby League players are said to have in the game. Both players have recognitions and awards for what they have done on the football field but they are facing intriguing situations that will have path-determining effects on their future in Rugby League.   

The might of the Queensland State of Origin team over the last decade has had a significant influence on both Paul Gallen and Mitchell Pearce. They have continually had to turn up and be defeated and at times humiliated by the power of the future-immortals led Maroons side. I

n what must be a soul-deflating couple of months each winter, Gallen has played in nine origin series’ since 2006. He has won only once. Without disrespecting Gallen, that is an incredibly sad record to hold. He must have felt so much pain over that length of time, year after year coming away with nothing. It appears Gallen developed through this time a feeling that everyone was against him, with Queensland often getting the rub-of-the-green on contentious game-defining decisions that would break the motivation and soul of the New South Wales side.

Playing with Cronulla, who are often considered to be a shambolic club that haven’t won anything, ever, and that realistically, not too many people care about, has not helped this feeling of being ripped off, under the pump, written off and soul-sucking sense of losing, or not getting anywhere. Gallen is, or used to be, one of the most penalized players in the competition. He would always seem to give away a penalty just as his team was making progress in a game, and just about every time he would argue the penalty with the referee. He is often seen in pleading arguments with the men in the middle, rarely does he accept he gave away a penalty at a key part of the game. At times, it appears it’s everyone else’s fault, but Paul Gallen’s.

He is now in some form of limbo as he has not yet signed an NRL contract with Cronulla for next season. Wanting a one year deal for the 2016 season, Gallen was at the center of controversy once again before game three after his club coach, Shane Flanagan revealed Gallen wouldn’t be playing Origin next year. While Gallen would have loved to have made this public after a NSW series win, he was thrown under the bus by his coach and had to dispel Flanagan’s comments as wishes rather than fact.

Whether Gallen does play origin next year or not, his commitment in a long and loyal 15 years at Cronulla has earned him a contract at the Sharks but in signing him for just one year, are Cronulla risking future player development and future salary cap maneuvers. If you’re going to sign someone for one year, wouldn’t it be with the hope they could actually help you win a premiership? While Gallen can obviously genuinely do this, the Sharks just don’t have the roster to make this a reality.

But with some of the most talented juniors in the country on their books and titles at youth level, maybe it is time for the Sharks and Gallen to go their separate ways. A transition from Gallen’s leadership and a fresh start may just be what the Sharks need after some tumultuous years.  Whether it is next year or the one after, it’s going to happen eventually.

Gallen has stated before he would love to play overseas in the English Super League and with the door now open for big money deals in the Northern Hemisphere competition via a marquee player signing exemption from the salary cap, the Cronulla and NSW skipper would be ideally suited to guiding a club in Nothern England. A hard, passionate and determined player, Gallen would thrive in the growing Super league.

Pearce, has probably just reached the end of his representative career at origin level. He made his debut at the age of 19, returned for a stint two years after, and then played for three years straight before being dropped for last year’s series. Strangely, he was given another chance by NSW coach Laurie Daley this year despite the only Blues series win coming without Pearce in the side. With huge pressure on the Roosters halfback to finally deliver, or at least play a hand in, a Blues series victory this year, it was always going to be a tough ride for the now 26-year-old son of Rugby League legend, Wayne Pearce. After going missing when the Blues needed someone to step up in game one, Pearce put in a solid performance in game two and many began to think this could finally be the time he would get the egg of his back. But with the Blues steamrolled on Wednesday night, and Pearce having little to no impact, it will surely be the last time the halfback is seen on a State of Origin field. Unbelievably, is has no become clear that Pearce directed a barrage of banter at legendary halfback Jonathan Thurston during the first two games. For a bloke who was questionably given another chance in that arena, Pearce clearly didn’t understand the concept of going quietly about your business and letting your actions and results speak for themselves.

But that doesn’t mean the end for Mitchell Pearce, who is a premiership winner after being part of the 2013 Sydney Roosters side. It was in this year that Pearce recovered strongly from his origin loss and ultimately dumping. He was part of a club that was transformed under rookie coach Trent Robinson, led by a revival both on and off the field that saw the players coming together through strict dietary, personal and social sacrifices. Many of these inspired by the elite athlete and unique individual that is Sonny Bill Williams. There is no doubt the influence of Williams would have helped Pearce reach the highest achievement in the game.

Pearce should return to club football, and focus on nothing but that for the rest of his career. Manly players have has wonderfully successful careers at club level and missed out on being a representative star. One halfback that Pearce could consider echoing is former Titans halfback, Scott Prince. Prince was a premiership winner at the Tigers, but never went on to feature in representative teams. Despite this, he played 300 games, was captain of two clubs and won a Clive Churchill medal. On top of this, he was one of the most humble and likeable players in the game.

Pearce will no doubt continue his playing career with the Sydney Roosters for many years to come, and will quite possibly achieve more success at club level, but for now it looks like he won’t be found in a representative side. But this presents enormous opportunity for Pearce to show what he is truly made of, and chance for a determined fightback. But barring leading the Roosters into a Grand Final, it’s difficult to see him playing State of Origin again.

Gallen faces some tough personal decisions on his playing future, and with the Cronulla Sharks his career club, it’s hard to see him accepting an NRL contract with any other club. He will either be given and accept a deal at the sharks or shift abroad. His future with the NSW side will also be at the forefront of his future in the NRL, if he had of won the series on Wednesday night, he probably would have stepped away from Origin and dedicated himself to the Sharks for a final year. But no one likes to go out a loser and if he plays in the NRL next year, it’s likely he’d have another crack with the Blues. That is, if the coach decides to select the ageing forward.

As always in Rugby League, only time will tell.

 

Napa overlook a blessing for Blues

Napa is a shadow of former League destroyer Sonny Bill Williams.

It’s the end of the first set-of-six in the series decider and New South Wales have just been pummeled by Queensland, playing the ball on the last tackle just 15 meters out from their own try-line. Pushed back each tackle by a Maroon wall of defense.

The hostile Suncorp Stadium crowd are on their feet directing all sorts of vile abuse at the Blues as they attempt to kick their way out of the hell they’ve just suddenly and unexpectedly entered. The Maroons look nothing of the veteran-outfit they played in during the first two games, a new sting has entered their defense, a ruthless mongrel in their intensity not seen since the Gorden Tallis days.

Already, their debutant forward, Dylan Napa, has made a significant impact on the game with three back-to-back tackles, linking with Nate Myles for two; and Sam Thaiday for the other. Both players clearly spurred on by the youth’s enthusiasm. Queensland’s nicest bloke, Matt Scott, has obviously drank a can of the Napa soda, and crushes Mitchell Pearce into the turf with a late hit after the halfback delivers a wayward kick downfield, only just passing the Maroons 40 meter line.

The Blues are stunned, not even two minutes into the game and they’ve realized they’re up against a completely different opponent than they’ve played before. Mal’s men heave the ball up field with inspiring runs from their forwards. The Cauldron is living up to its name with the Blues visibly unprepared for what is upon them as they encounter a world of trouble on just the second set of the match. They face a quick-fire attacking raid by the Maroons as they spread the ball to their left hand side with a customary Queensland play that sees Darius Boyd fly over in the corner virtually untouched for the first try. The crowd erupts with the Maroons rushing over to Boyd to celebrate the try. NSW are left both breath and speechless behind the try line, with the roar of the Queensland fans all they can hear.

Enough with my attempt at script-writing ‘’The Decider”, only the players have that opportunity. But in all honesty, is Mal Meninga’s decision to leave out Dylan Napa a blessing for the Blues or what? NSW have found a raw and raging talent in forward David Klemmer and the excitement he has brought to the Blues line up has been the edge they’ve needed. He has a fire in his belly, his ruthless, and he doesn’t give a shit about reputations. This later observation clearly evident by the story of him telling Cameron Smith he was a ‘has been’ and Corey Parker to ‘Get @$%#ed’ after he was asked to display some respect for the esteemed Maroons. In Dylan Napa, Queensland have themselves a David Klemmer. Hungry, rough around the edges and a player that will display absolutely no respect for Paul Gallen or the rest of the Blues team. Exactly what you want in an Origin game.

Some of Napa’s hits have been reminiscent of one of the game’s all time best, Sonny Bill Williams. If the shoulder charge hadn’t have been banned, Napa would already have played origin. He is a player that plays on the edge, he rips in and genuinely inflicts pain into his opposition. He is obviously made for an origin type arena. He’s hit on Paul Gallen in just his third game for the Roosters was monstrous. Trent Robinson has made him work for his place the Chooks first grade team, as Napa has spent time in the NSW cup, possibly as a means to tame his aggression and develop a more overall and consistent game.

With Queensland showing their age in Origin version 36 (2015), they could have done with someone of Napa’s mold to muster a new dimension to their team. With Billy Slater out, Queensland will have Dane Gagai making his debut and the selection of Josh Papalii may point to Meninga not wanting to rush in players who haven’t been there and done it before in such a heavy game. But to win games of this nature, sometimes you need to take a little risk. Daley has done it with Klemmer, and Queensland have it in Napa, but have gone the safe option this time round. No doubt the twenty-two-year-old will get his chance, but have Queensland overlooked their best available secret weapon right when they need it?

Time will tell. Bring on game three.

SBW & Sam - The last time

Tonight, two of Rugby League’s modern day greats go into their final battle, for the very last time. After 80 minutes, or potentially even more, one will exit the game forever; the other will have an opportunity at premiership glory.

Round 1, 2013

The image that optimises the two behemoths that are Sam Burgess and Sonny Bill Williams, is the ‘welcome back’ gift Sam delivered SBW in round 1, 2013. With SBW returning from a 5 year stint in Rugby Union with so much hype he had his own voice narrate his call up off the bench, Sam Burgess demanded the ball as soon as he spotted SBW in the line, and in one run showed the world that no longer was SBW in the game he left as the world’s best. Straight over the top of the Roosters back-rower like a bull over a backpacker in Pamplona. The way both men play the game is with absolute ferocity, leaving nothing in the tank. SBW no longer relies on the shoulder charge, but with a refined game still delivers the ultimate punch to opposition forward packs. Sam plays the game so hard; he missed numerous games in his first two seasons in Australia. His approach has not changed and he will be the one out their tonight for South Sydney looking for the first hit up or tackle.

The two men have taken drastically different paths to their current point in the NRL. They have had clouds hang over their heads, chips on their shoulder, and obstacles to overcome. The way they have taken on these journeys has seen them become the men they are today, and provide a valuable insight into why they are the players they are.

SBW’s exit from the Bulldogs sent him overseas to French Rugby Union and put simply, earned him the title of Rugby League’s biggest dog. The walk out left him with few friends in the game or country, and was probably a driving force for his success in Rugby Union. A world cup winner and Super Rugby Champion with the Chiefs, SBW also became a devoted Muslim during this time adhering to the strict lifestyle of the faith. It appears though, SBW always knew he would have to one day return to the game that made him and help restore his reputation. That came in the form of a handshake with Roosters boss Nick Politis. Uncle Nick knew what Williams could bring to a club that for so long had been rife with a loose culture in a city of distractions. The story of Sonny Bill turning up to the first training session with a notebook ready to take notes was a strange one to old Rugby League heads, but an indication of how professional he had become. Being such a strong personality and carrying the aura he does, he almost single handily reformed the culture of the Roosters through his actions alone. Combined with new direction of well schooled Head Coach Trent Robinson, and the holistic approach to health and fitness from Strength Coach Keegan Smith the Roosters finally got off the booze and took the game to a new level. Ultimately resulting in a premiership for the tri-colours, an astounding achievement considering they had a rookie coach, almost half a team of new players and where they ran the year before. SBW’s year in 2014 has seen some solid performances, but he hasn’t had that class and domination of last year in recent weeks. Many will be waiting for him to explode tonight.

Sam’s ride to his third successive NRL preliminary final began in Northern England, where he played for the Bradford Bulls as a teenager. In this time while establishing himself as bucking young forward, he also cared for his father before he sadly passed away, often carrying his dad up the stairs to his bed in their Yorkshire home. If that doesn’t make you grow up quick, nothing will. Ironically dubbed in 2006 as “England’s Sonny Bill”, Burgess went on to establish himself as one of the best forwards in the Super League and made eye catching appearances for Great Britain and England. Soon the prodigy would be courted by South’s’ owner Russell Crowe and convinced to come to the NRL. In 2009, Rusty gained Burgess' signature and promised South Sydney fans the greatest signing since his takeover of the club. On the day Burgess made his debut at the historic Redfern Oval for a pre-season trial, the gladiator presented Sam with a membership card and number with his father’s name on it. The relationship Russell built with Sam was key to signing him, and has been key to his performances for the foundation club ever since. Burgess has now been at the forefront of the game for 4 years, coming onto the scene with a ripping game for the All Stars in 2010, holding nothing back when slamming the Preston Campbell into the ground and looking for heads straight after. His highlight real ever since is endless, and the shoulders, runs and hits have been felt long after by those he’s come up against. After falling just one game short of the Grand Final for the last two years, Burgess realised the need to knuckle down and has finally kept out of the social pages, focusing purely on football in what will be his last year. It’s no coincidence that by keeping quiet this year, he is genuinely in the running for the Dally M.

With their teams having not played against each other in a finals game for 76 years, and cross city rivalries that go back to 1908, no player will want to leave the field tonight after losing. Whatever the case, both players have become greats in their own rights, and will be remembered forever at their famous clubs. This final, epic showdown between these two powerhouses will be one for the ages, and provides one of the most tantalising build ups to a game in recent memory. Will Sam finally complete his journey down under and take South Sydney to within 80 minutes of their first premiership in 43 years? Or will SBW carry the Roosters to another title, becoming one of only a select group to have won 3 NRL titles in their career. Honestly, if you call yourself a Rugby League fan and you’re not at ANZ stadium tonight to see this clash the game has been waiting for, take a good hard look in the mirror. What a showdown and fight this is going to be. Some say the grand final has come early, but Rugby League has a funny way of throwing up the unexpected. What will tonight bring?

The two greats rivalry...