He still feels dizzy, even a bit seasick, but concussed Mitchell Pearce at least remembers scoring a crucial try to help silence doubters he’s State of Origin material.
And while he still holds out hope of playing this weekend in the NRL, the NSW halfback understands he’s likely to be sidelined for the Sydney Roosters’ home clash with Brisbane.
Pearce said he had no hard feelings against Will Chambers, who’s been charged but only fined for the monster hit that floored him early in the second half of Wednesday night’s series-opener.
But the 28-year-old was still suffering the effects of the knock on return to Sydney on Thursday and admitted to recalling “not a whole lot, bits and pieces” of his first Origin win at Suncorp Stadium.
“”A little bit dizzy. I feel alright, just a bit sea sick. (Had) that same sort of feeling last night,” Pearce said at Sydney airport.
“I haven’t had too many concussions in my career. He got me good.”
Pearce lay on the ground for several minutes before being helped up the tunnel and after the game could not speak to the media on Wednesday because his mind so hazy.
Thankfully a few memories had returned by the next day, including his key contribution on the stroke of halftime that wrested momentum from Queensland and gave NSW a 12-4 lead.
“Just the try,” Pearce joked.
“Nah Fifita, Haynesy, they were special performances, and I thought James Tedesco was almost the best on the field – what a player.
“First half was the hardest Origin game I’ve played in. I heard Cooper Cronk and Cameron Smith say similar things, if they can say that it must be pretty accurate.
“It was a great forward performance from us, we really laid the platform. Any halves will look good behind that.”
It was finally a match for Pearce to savour in a previously controversial Origin career, and leaves him one victory away from claiming his first series win after failing in previous attempts in 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2015.
He did so in the sheds, sharing a hug with his father, league legend Wayne Pearce.
“Dad came in to check how I was,” Pearce said.
“I was nearly falling over so I think he was picking me up. I felt like I was on the back of a boat.
“But that’s a special moment I’m sure we’ll sit back in years to come and appreciate.
“I just try and be grateful for footy these days, and going up there you look over and see your family, doing what you love, it’s like it’s a dream.”