Sydney Roosters halfback Mitchell Pearce says he deserved to be sacked from the NSW team for his Kings Cross hijinks.
Blues coach Laurie Daley admitted after naming his team for Wednesday's State of Origin opener that Pearce was axed due to his wild night out that resulted in his arrest, a $20,000 fine and a one-match NRL ban.
Speaking for the first time about the highly publicised incident, the premiership-winning No.7 said he agreed with Daley's decision to opt for Canterbury duo Trent Hodkinson and Josh Reynolds in the halves.
"He did - he made the right decision. He needs to set a good example," Pearce said.
"They are working hard to get a good culture there and I brought the game into disrepute.
"I think everyone was disappointed and I was disappointed for letting them down.
"It was a selfish act and I am glad it is all over.
"I knew they were going to go another way and, to be honest, I was just looking forward to getting back to club level.
"I owed the boys here a couple of big games.
"I let them down last week and put the whole club under pressure.
"I'm excited about the next month with the Roosters."
Pearce revealed he had spoken with NSW captain Paul Gallen and hooker Robbie Farah since his axing.
"I have spoken to Robbie and Gal and a couple of the other seniors guys. I hope they do well.
"I am not bitter about it or anything like that. They asked what happened - they were supportive.
"At first, I'm sure they were probably disappointed because it didn't look real good at the start but life goes on. I have learnt from it.
"I have put my hand up and moved on.
"Drinking excessively during the season is not a good look and is not a good thing for your footy.
"For me, I probably play best when I am balanced and knuckled down."
There have been suggestions Pearce's Origin career could be over but the 25-year-old says he isn't focused on a return to the interstate arena after a steady performance in the Roosters' 32-12 win over the Bulldogs on Friday.
"I'm not thinking about coming back. I'm excited to watch the boys play having been a part of it," he said.
"A lot of the boys I get along with in there, I hope they do well.
"At the same time, I am excited. Tonight, it was just good to get my confidence back.
"If you go away to Origin, you miss out on what the team is trying to develop and we are under the pump at the moment.
"I will be a little bit envious but that is why you play football ... to be competitive.
"I am actually really excited to watch them.
"I genuinely hope we do well."
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