Mitchell Pearce: Here to win trophies

Life as a rugby league player in the South of France is a stark contrast to the fast-paced lifestyle in Newcastle & Sydney, Australia – just ask Mitchell Pearce.

Pearce is preparing to begin his debut season with Catalans Dragons after a glittering career in the NRL spanning well over a decade. And even though he is reaching the twilight of his career, Pearce joins the 2021 League Leaders with a razor-sharp focus.

The NRL Premiership winner is tasked with bringing more silverware to the Dragons after their historic season last year – the club aiming to go one step further in 2022 and create more history by winning their first Grand Final trophy.

And Pearce can’t wait to represent the Dragons and the proud Catalans fans as he looks ahead to the start of the 2022 Betfred Super League season.

“I really like the lifestyle here – it’s a really relaxed place,?? Pearce explained.

“You’ve got the beach, the beautiful mountains and the countryside. As far as the lifestyle goes, it’s a really great place.

“You can see how proud the place is about rugby league as well. Where we train there’s plenty of fans that pop up in and around when you’re cruising around so I’m looking forward to playing for the place.??

The move has afforded Pearce an opportunity to restart and begin a fresh chapter in his life – albeit in a completely different - but somewhat similar - setting.

“A change in environment can be stimulating and that’s what I’ve enjoyed. It’s new to me here.

“I did the NRL thing for 15 years and loved every minute of it but like anything, it’s change and a new environment and that’s stimulating.

“There’s a lot of attention in the media in Australia around NRL games. But at the end of the day, it’s the same in Super League - we’re playing to win and there’s pressure on everyone to perform.

“I’m still here to win a trophy for Catalans and perform at my best every week - so that doesn’t change.??

Following in his predecessor and good mate James Maloney’s shoes, Pearce is well equipped to take over the number six shirt for the Dragons this season. And Maloney was on hand to reassure Pearce that a move to France would be a fruitful endeavour.

“I spoke to Jimmy [Maloney] a lot. Obviously, he’s a good mate of mine and we played a lot of footy together – I trust his opinion.

“I spoke a lot to Jimmy and Sam Moa - who’s an ex-teammate from the Sydney Roosters - who’s our assistant coach now at Catalans. Those two boys were really helpful.

“I’ve got a really good relationship with Steve McNamara as well. He was chatting with me a lot through the process. I’m just really grateful I’m here, I’ve loved every minute of it so far and I’m looking forward to earning respect from my teammates through the year.??

Respect is a two-way street and Pearce’s new teammates have made an immediate impression on him. Not surprising that the Dragons winning culture – led by their impressive cohort of experienced stars – have reaffirmed Pearce's decision to pack up and move his life to France.

“Mac [Steve McNamara] mentioned to me before I got here, and Jimmy said the same thing about what a good group it was. It’s a really good balance – you’ve got all different languages in the room, so I’ll have to make sure as a half my communication is nice and clear going on the field.

“I can’t get that mixed up otherwise the boys won’t know what I’m talking about! It’s a really good group and a happy place.

“It’s very motivating – I want to be a part of that. That’s one of the big reasons I came over. The boys have worked really hard and everyone’s ready to get out there.

“They’ve got a good system and structure here that they play with. Obviously, they had heaps of success last year and with Jimmy playing over here I know how he plays - so I’ve just tried to fit in to the style the teams playing.

“Then as we progress, we’ll start adding more to our game. They boys just made a Grand Final, so they’ve got a good foundation of how they want to play and it’s about me doing my job within the team and then adding my bits and pieces as the season goes on.??

✨ La passe décisive de Mitchell Pearce pour l'essai de Joe Chan pic.twitter.com/9dmyqOPenK
— Dragons Catalans (@DragonsOfficiel) January 30, 2022

Pearce slots into an established Catalans spine, led by the irreplaceable Sam Tomkins. Man of Steel Tomkins was the go-to player for the Dragons in 2021 and Pearce has been mightily impressed with the experienced full-back. 

“There’s been heaps of the boys that have really impressed me. Sam Tomkins is obviously a seasoned player over here and one of the great players in England – he’s been awesome to play with. 

"He’s got a great footy brain – he’s not just got the speed and the skills – he’s got a great footy brain as well. It’s been really enjoyable teaming up with him. And off the field he’s been really good to me as well. He’s a top guy and a good family man."

Attention now turns to the Champions, St Helens ahead of the opening round. A Grand Final repeat is on the horizon and, although the competition will be new to Pearce, he is aware of the huge task at hand and the threat that the Saints pose.

“I’ve watched bits and pieces of Super League over the years. I know how big a side St Helens are and how much success they’ve had.

“We’ve got a big game against St Helens [in round one] and the boys have spoken about what a great team they are. The boys have worked really hard and everyone’s ready to get out there.?? 

 The Dragons travel to the home of the Champions on Thursday 10 February to kick start the 2022 Betfred Super League season. And all of Thursday’s action will unfold live on Sky Sports Main Event.