Pearce senior was reappointed for a further three years as an Australian Rugby League commissioner as a cloud continues to hang over Mitchell's playing career. His reappointment comes as Mitchell undergoes treatment at an overseas rehabilitation clinic following admissions he has a problem with alcohol. Wayne, who has kept a low profile since Mitchell was filmed performing a lewd act with a dog, described recent events as a "rough patch".

"He is getting some treatment and getting care," Pearce said. "That's all that matters from my point of view.

"I'm pragmatic. As a parent and someone on the commission I'm disappointed with what happened. From my point of view, Mitchell is getting rehab and getting some proper care. I'm confident he will come out of the other end better than ever.

"Anyone who has kids and is a parent knows the responsibilities which come with that.

"From my perspective, it's happened. Mitchell is getting treatment for his situation and I'm confident he will be better than ever."

The Balmain stalwart has had minimal contact with Mitchell in recent days.

When asked if he had spoken to Mitchell, Wayne replied; "No I haven't."

"The treatment program does not allow that except for certain particular times."

Despite the NRL's Integrity Unit continuing to investigative Mitchell's Australian Day incident, Wayne had said he did not contemplate stepping down from the commission.

Chris Sarra and Ian Elliot were reappointed alongside Pearce at a meeting in Auckland on Friday.

"It's been a challenging past week but I really enjoyed my time on the commission," Pearce said. "I've got a little bit more to contribute yet. I'm really keen."

The NRL is set to undergo further change with Sarra indicating he will step down from his role in 12-18 months while Elliott will resign within the next six months.

Commission chairman John Grant said Pearce remained an integral part of the game's hierarchy.

"I am really, really happy," Grant said. "Wayne stood and has expressed a desire to stay for another term, so he has been re-elected."

Grant said Mitchell's indiscretion was a "total separate matter" to his father's spot on the commission.

"If it comes to the consideration of the commission and it is related to Mitchell, Wayne will step aside from those discussions," Grant said. "It's just standard practice in relation to conflict of interest.

"Remembering Wayne has been a contributor for four years now. He is the real connection to football we have on the commission. His contribution has been invaluable. I just want it to continue to be that and the commissioners are of the same mind."

Grant will add searching to replace Sarra and Elliott to his long to-do list, which includes finding a chief executive, and other executive roles within the NRL that include replacements for Shane Richardson and Suzanne Young.

In the meantime, Pearce will focus finalising the game's collective bargaining agreement.

"We've come to an arrangement with a memorandum understanding of the clubs," Pearce said. "I think that puts us in a position where there is a really good energy between the clubs and the code.

"The next step from the commission point of view is the CBA with the players.

"It's about taking this game forward to being the best it can be."