MITCHELL Pearce.
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Rarely have there been two more maligned words mentioned in rugby league circles over the last 10 years.
Why that is, I have no idea.
The main criticism has been centred around the 29-year-old's performances - or lack thereof - in the State of Origin arena.
When Pearce and New South Wales run onto ANZ Stadium on Wednesday night, they will find themselves in a position many of their predecessors have also been in.
Statistics can often be used to paint half a picture and more often than not it depends what your agenda is.
The facts are NSW have been to a series decider 19 times in Origin history and they have registered just four wins.
Mitchell Pearce has been to seven series deciders and is yet to win a single one. He has also won just five matches in the 18 he has played.
The last one he played in was a 22-6 defeat at Suncorp Stadium in 2017 and he was part of losing sides in 2008, 2010-13, 2015 and 2017.
Those are the facts.
But when you dig a little deeper you also see Queensland had players of the calibre of Darren Lockyer, Johnathan Thurston, Billy Slater, Cameron Smith, Greg Inglis and Cooper Cronk at their disposal.
All of those players will not be out of place as Immortals of the game when the time is right.
Unfortunately for Pearce was unlucky to be tasked with the duties of trying to steer a Blues team around the park when those superstars were in their prime.
Even the great Andrew Johns would have struggled to have any significant success if he was in Pearce's shoes.
The Knights halfback again gets a shot at redemption - and a series victory - against a far less formidable Maroons outfit in 2019.
He's been down this path before.
On The Matty Johns Show on Fox Sports last weekend, Pearce admitted he hadn't delivered on the Origin front.
He also admitted he wasn't ready as a 19-year-old to be thrown into the furnace when he made his debut back in 2008.
This time, he gets his chance. This chance is his best one yet.
One thing will be for certain - regardless of the outcome, Mitchell Pearce will still have his doubters.
If NSW wins it will be Pearce that plays a leading role, but there will be naysayers who will trot out the "it's only because Queensland had a far less formidable side."
And if, heaven forbid, NSW loses ....
Go get 'em young man.
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