The Sydney Roosters are rallying around Mitchell Pearce after NSW's drubbing in State of Origin III, saying he remains a semi-finals specialist.
Due to his role in the team, the Blues and Roosters playmaker will wear his fair share of criticism for NSW's capitulation in the record-breaking 52-6 loss at Suncorp Stadium.
Roosters coach Trent Robinson said his teammates were lending their support to Pearce and fellow NSW squad members Boyd Cordner and Michael Jennings to ensure they didn't drop their heads as they entered the business end of the NRL season.
Pearce has harnessed Origin disappointment in a positive way before - after playing in NSW's losing series in 2013 he went on to lead his club to the premiership.
Robinson said a more mature Pearce was better equipped to deal with defeat than in previous seasons and was ready to lead the Roosters' charge into the final nine rounds of the regular season.
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