Cameron Smith doesn't expect Mitchell Pearce to be "overly vocal" upon his return to State of Origin football, saying the Blues halfback will have learned lessons from the nightmare 2015 series that threatened to end his representative career.
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While many thought Pearce's time for NSW was up two years ago, when he lost another series in the No.7 jumper, Smith said he always knew the Roosters playmaker would return to the Origin arena. Pearce was replaced last year with South Sydney's Adam Reynolds but has made a case selectors couldn't resist this season, piloting the Roosters to the top four and returning a more developed and mature footballer.
He will want to ensure his history doesn't grind him into the Suncorp Stadium turf, particularly the spectre of his most recent appearance in the 2015 decider when Queensland demolished the Blues 52-6. He had reportedly teed off at Johnathan Thurston during earlier games for being too old and past his best. It backfired in the most spectacular of fashion and Thurston let him know in no uncertain terms during the scoring romp.
Smith believes Pearce will let his football do the talking this time around. "I can't imagine him being overly vocal. I think he'll be concentrating on what he needs to do for the Blues. I think he would (have learned a lesson), for sure. He's playing good footy," Smith said.
When asked if he expected Pearce to return to Origin, Smith said: "Of course. He's been playing fantastic football this year. I just think, when selection came around, he forced the hand of Laurie [Daley] to put him in that side."
Cooper Cronk has long enjoyed an Origin master over Pearce and welcomed the rekindling of their old rivalry. He said Pearce was the obvious pick for the Blues at the base of the scrum.
"He warrants selection. It's up to you guys to discuss whether he deserves it or not. The form that he's shown, I don't know Mitchell too much, but he's obviously changed a few things off the paddock. I wish him well. Hopefully he gets back to the level he wants to play at," Cronk said.
The question Pearce must yet answer is if he can finally pull the right strings under pressure and help NSW to victory in the three-game series. His baggage remains substantial but Cronk was convinced none of that would matter next Wednesday.
"Come Origin, what's happened before doesn't really play a part. Whether you've had success or no success, come Wednesday night there's nowhere to hide. Everyone is there to win for their team," Cronk said.
"Good luck to him - I hope he does what he needs to do. But we'll be focusing on what we need to do."
