Mitchell Pearce

Pearce has become the undisputable go-to man for the Roosters in 2017, with the Blues halfback-in-waiting scoring all four of his tries this season in the final 20 minutes of games. 

His willingness to take the line on has been an inspiration to his teammates, while his lengthy field goal drought was broken with back-to-back one-pointers in rounds eight and nine.   

"I feel like he's had his best ever year in the last 20 minutes of games; it's the simplest way I can explain it," Roosters coach Trent Robinson said after the 24-18 win over the Bulldogs.  

But 12 months is a long time in footy, and having changed his life for the better the 27-year-old's future is now secure after inking a new two-year deal that will see him stay at the Roosters until the end of 2019. 

It's a terrific comeback story and one that will likely see Pearce finish as a one-club man having made his debut for the Roosters back in 2007.

Roosters co-captain Jake Friend said Pearce's decision to commit to the club a week out from the new season was a massive boon for a side desperate to make amends for their 15th-place finish last year.  

The talented 27-year-old has played 15 matches for the Blues but missed the 2016 series following his Australia Day indiscretions that resulted in an eight-week suspension to start the season. 

Following the consideration of all relevant material relating to the incident, the Roosters issued Pearce the following sanctions:

1. Removal of club captaincy.

2. Suspended from the club leadership group for 2016.

3. $125,000 fine ($50,000 suspended).

4. Suspension from playing in the NRL for eight rounds, and his return will be subject to on-going rehabilitation and good conduct.

Sydney Roosters, CEO Mr John Lee, welcomed the finalisation of the matter.

Pearce admitted the Roosters were still coming to grips with the Nines version of the game in the first two tournaments but is expecting an improved showing at this year's event, taking place at Eden Park Auckland on February 6 and 7. 

"It's different, and to be honest in the first year nobody knew how to play it," Pearce toldroosters.com.au.