BY CURTIS WOODWARD

@woodward_curtis

You make your first grade debut as an 18-year-old and immediately impress – it comes as no surprise to club officials or your chairman. After all, you’re Mitchell Pearce – the future of the Sydney Roosters.

Within a couple of years you’re in your first grand final but unfortunately it isn’t to be – you go down to the St George Illawarra Dragons in the decider.

You haven’t always dealt with the pressures of Sydney life off the field but the warm safety blanket of the inner sanctum at Bondi is enough to get you through the sleepless nights.

This is your team. Your show. You’re the halfback. A Rooster forever.

That’s what Uncle Nick has been telling you all your entire adult life, anyway.

There’s the premiership in 2013 but don’t let that get in the way of this story because some will tell you that Pearce doesn’t have the ability to perform on the big stage for the Chooks.

Disregard the fact that it was Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Dylan Napa who called out Jason Taumalolo before their semi-final against North Queensland and failed to back it up.

Apparently Pearce can’t bring it home for the Roosters now.

How quickly they turn.

There’s no arguing Pearce’s State of Origin record but to suggest he doesn’t handle the occasion of an NRL blockbuster is silly.

“Players are playing longer now days,” Pearce told foxsports.com.au earlier this year.

“Most guys are retiring at 33-34 so I’m at a good age now where everything’s starting to make sense more and you’d think you’d start to play your best footy at the back end.

“I’m excited for hopefully staying. Things are looking good to hopefully stay.”

Roosters’ coach Trent Robinson said in February: “Mitch is a Rooster and this is his home, so it’s great news for our members and everyone at the club to know that he will continue to play his role with the Roosters in the coming years.”

That role is the halfback and leader – the General.

To expect Pearce to sit quietly as the club brings in another General is disrespectful.

“We definitely want ‘Pearcey’ to be a Rooster now and into our future,” Robinson told The Daily Telegraph.

“His place in our team has never been questioned.

“Our interest in Cooper is about improving our squad.

“And that is about the combinations that are possible with three quality halves.”

"I think if Cooper Cronk does sign with the Roosters, I don't think Mitchell Pearce can stay”

🗣 Paul Gallen

— Jason Oliver (@JasonNRL) October 30, 2017

Roosters signing Cooper Cronk now is probably one of the worst decisions I've ever seen, especially if Mitchell Pearce leaves

— Zavi (@Zavify) October 30, 2017

If I was Mitchell Pearce and feeling not wanted, I'd go to the ⚡️& win a 🏆

— Rohanc (@rohancct) October 30, 2017

Three doesn’t go into two and two Generals can’t lead the same army.

Pearce has every right to be dirty about Cronk signing.

The Roosters made the official announcement on Monday afternoon.

“We are delighted to have secured the services of Cooper for the next two seasons,” said Roosters Chief Executive Joe Kelly.

“Cooper has played the game at the highest level for a number of years and we are keenly aware of what he brings to the Club. Together with the established leaders within our squad, we see him as a wonderful addition to our roster.”

Earlier in the day we ran a poll on @the81stminute Twitter page with 80% of voters saying they would be upset at Cronk signing if they were Pearce.

A halfback can only run a team when they have total control.

To ask Pearce to be anything but the team’s halfback is not going to end well.

@woodward_curtis

https://twitter.com/The81stMinute/status/924796160677593088