Ex-Sydney Roosters chief executive Brian Canavan hopes Mitchell Pearce is able to make a successful return to rugby league.

Canavan, now chief operating officer at Gold Coast, says Pearce’s health and well-being must be the primary concern after the NSW State of Origin star was caught on video simulating a sex act with a dog during an Australia Day bender.

Pearce has since travelled to an overseas rehabilitation clinic and Canavan is hoping the 26-year-old can overcome his demons and return to Australia happy and healthy.