Pearce is a good half at club level but he's nowhere near SOO standard. Can't control /direct game when in the balance.
There is daylight between him and Cooper.
The club has run a protection racket for years, claiming Pearce to be an elite player and deserving SOO selection. But they have now trashed his name, his reputation. It's extraordinary, really. No other club would replace a SOO player in their prime for Cooper at his age. Cows wouldn't discard Morgan for Cooper. Or Roosters wouldn't discard Teddy for Slater. Stunning concession that Pearce is actually not SOO standard.
Despite all that, and I clearly don't like Pearce, woof woof had been sorely mistreated. And with a good coach, Roosters already have a top squad to win title.
Straight Shooter