Mitchell Pearce to retire at the end of the Super League season with hopes of creating history
Mitchell Pearce has announced that he will retire at the end of the current Super League season – but not before giving his all with Catalans Dragons for their first title.
Pearce, 34, will bring an end to an illustrious career that included 309 appearances in the NRL competition. 238 of those came with the Sydney Roosters, with whom he won the 2013 Premiership with a 26-18 win over Manly Sea Eagles in the Grand Final.
He finished his career Down Under with Newcastle Knights, making 71 appearances between 2018 and 2021.
The half-back represented New South Wales on 19 occasions, winning his first State of Origin series in 2019.
He made the switch to Super League ahead of the 2022 campaign, replacing James Maloney at the Dragons following his retirement from the full time game.
Pearce has made 34 Super League appearances to date, scoring 13 tries and says he has his sights on creating history with the French outfit before hanging up the boots.
Having led the competition for the majority of the season, Steve McNamara’s outfit find themselves second behind Wigan Warriors following defeats to Matt Peet’s side and Hull KR in recent weeks.
They featured in their first ever Grand Final in 2021, falling to a 12-10 defeat to St Helens.
Mitchell Pearce announces retirement via social media
The veteran posted on Instagram: “Hey guys – I’ve decided that this season will be my last in rugby league.
“What a journey it’s been. I finish the game knowing I have given every bit of my heart and soul for nearly 18 years.
“I’ve had some amazing times and leave the game with friends I know I’ll have for the rest of my life.
“I still have a job to do with Catalans Dragons and I’m all in to go after that trophy and make history for French Rugby League.”
Pearce had been linked with a return to the NRL for 2024 with the Roosters, with his current contract in the south of France expiring at the end of the campaign.
He also previously shut down rumours of a mid-season switch to strugglers Wests Tigers.
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