Daley refuses to guarantee Pearce's spot

Coach Laurie Daley says Mitchell Pearce's NSW spot is in jeopardy following his wild night out in Sydney that led to him being arrested last Saturday.

Sydney Roosters halfback Mitchell Pearce

Coach Laurie Daley says Mitchell Pearce's (pic) NSW spot is in jeopardy following his wild night out (AAP)

NSW coach Laurie Daley has revealed Mitchell Pearce isn't certain to be picked for the State of Origin opener following his wild night out in Sydney last Saturday.

Pearce was fined $20,000 and stood down for one game by the Sydney Roosters following his arrest in Kings Cross for failing to leave a bar after he was ejected by security staff.

The Blues coach has been a huge supporter of Pearce since taking over as Blues coach last year when he nominated him as his first-choice No.7 six months before the opening game.

However, the Canberra great said he may have to reconsider his halfback options as he looks to create a culture that will lead to NSW finally breaking Queensland's eight-year Origin stranglehold.

Daley names his Blues squad on Tuesday for the Origin opener in Brisbane on May 28.

"We're trying to create a really strong culture in the NSW side and we believe behaviour drives that culture and ultimately performances," Daley told Fox Sports' Sterlo program on Thursday.

"This didn't happen on our watch, but it is something we have to consider."

Earlier on Thursday, Roosters coach Trent Robinson gave his backing to Pearce.

He said he hoped the punishment handed down by the Roosters would be seen as a satisfactory way of dealing with the issue and believed Daley should pick the 25-year-old.

Daley echoed Robinson's endorsement of Pearce's character, but refused to guarantee his selection when he names his side before the squad fly to camp in Coffs Harbour on Tuesday night.

"Mitch is very remorseful, he is a great boy and has been a big part of our plans," Daley said.

"But in terms of whether he'll be there, well that hasn't been determined yet."


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Source: AAP


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