Former Blues forward Craig Fitzgibbon has backed Mitchell Pearce to become the first halfback since Andrew Johns to lead NSW to a State of Origin series victory.
Ex-Sydney Roosters utility Fitzgibbon was part of the last Blues side to win a series in 2005, when Ricky Stuart’s team beat Queensland 32-10 in the decider at Suncorp Stadium.
NSW go into Wednesday’s showdown on the back of a victory in game two in Sydney, and Fitzgibbon believes Pearce has the right mentality to step up to the plate in an encounter that’s been labelled the biggest Origin match in years.
“It’s unfair to say that it’s all down to Mitchell to break a run six straight defeats as it will come down to all 17 players,” Fitzgibbon told AAP.
“But he’s going to be a vital part of the team and if he has very good game, then there is great chance of us winning the game.”
Fitzgibbon is part of the coaching staff at the Roosters, where he works with Pearce on a daily basis, and was in the side when 23-year-old made his NRL debut in 2007 against North Queensland.
The former representative star said he’s noticed a new-found maturity in Pearce since returning to the club earlier this year following a two-year stint in the English Super League with Hull FC, but admitted the playmaker was stung by some criticism of his game earlier in the season.
“He is a fantastic competitor and I’ve got nothing but love for the kid, I am fortunate to work with him at the Roosters now and I can’t speak highly enough of the boy,” he said.
“I just hope it all works out for him. He has been under the pump a little bit and that hurt him as some of it was a bit unfair. I hope he gets out there and silences them all.”
Fitzgibbon also said Pearce would have almost certainly been working on his kicking game in the build-up to next week’s game after failing to trouble an injured Billy Slater in the second half in Sydney earlier this month.
“He’s a guy that works so hard at his game and knows he’s had to get where he is now and that won’t stop,” Fitzgibbon said.
“He’ll know where he needs to improve and won’t need telling. I love seeing guys who work so hard and want to do well getting success.
“If it comes off I will be so happy and elated for him.”
However, Fitzgibbon, who played 11 times in front and back-row for the Blues, said the loss of Glenn Stewart was a huge blow to the team, but said Queensland would not relish coming up against Beau Scott.
“Glenn is a big-game player and played in a good few Origins and a number of grand finals,” Fitzgibbon said.
“He knows what the big stage is all about. He’ll be a loss for us but Beau Scott seems like the kind of guy who won’t get flustered and will get the job done.
“He probably would’ve been there in game one but for injury and I reckon Queensland weren’t too upset not to see him as he’s very tough to play against.”
