It is extremely telling that the ABC article where Stuart recommends Pearce to be awarded the Blues Captaincy was written:
After Pearce had appeared in only one Origin match and failed to fire.
After the Roosters had taken the wooden-spoon.
Prior to Game One of a series that QLD clean- swept where Pearce appeared in two Origin games.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2010-03-22/pearce-laughs-off-origin-captaincy-talk/374576
Does any of that appear to anyone else as an gilt-edged recommendation? After
one crappy Origin game they are nominating this guy as the long-term future Captain. His form was not the issue. He was not expected to have a long track record in Origin(at the time of that article). He was simply being given without form or a proven track record at Origin level, green lights and having the red carpet rolled-out.
QLD win 3 games that year, yet despite all of the above Junior junior is selected for every subsequent State Of Origin with the prospect that he will be back for 2014. Since it is highly unlikely the Pearce will topple Gallen for the Captaincy in 2014, one would have to assume that in order to be any chance of taking his earmarked Captaincy, 2015 will be a certainty for Pearce to be selected also.
It's going to be a long two years for NSW fans. The only light on the horizon is that in 2016 NSW gets two home games again. You can bet your bottom dollar that Pearce will be there for 2016.
