Sydney Roosters co-captain Mitchell Pearce says he’s ready for a State of Origin recall after he missed last year’s series following a wild night out just weeks before the series opener.
SEE ALSO:
Luke Brooks: Wests Tigers star says he isn’t ready for State of Origin
Kurt Gidley: Newcastle Knights skipper confirms Warrington Wolves move
Newcastle Knights back-rower Beau Scott released to Parramatta Eels on ‘compassionate grounds’
Pearce was arrested outside a Kings Cross nightclub following a drunken night out, resulting in a $20,000 fine.
But perhaps the biggest penalty Pearce received was his non-selection in New South Wales’ historic series win over Queensland in the 2014 Origin series.
The 26-year-old is realistic about his chances of a return to the Blues’ outfit in 2015 but says he’d be raring to go if handed the opportunity.
“Josh (Reynolds) and Trent Hodkinson did a great job last year,” Pearce is quoted as saying by AAP.
“I’ve said the whole time since I’ve done interviews that they deserve the first crack because they’re the incumbents and they won the series.
“So I still stand with that but at the same time if I was to get picked I’d be ready.”
NSW halves pairing Reynolds and Hodkinson have struggled for form so far in 2015, leaving coach Laurie Daley with a selection headache.
Wests Tigers youngster Luke Brooks has been in sterling form this season, but the youngster on Tuesday conceded he wasn’t yet ready to be thrown into State of Origin cauldron.
COMMENTS