‘A phone call you never want to get’: Why Pearson understands Southwell’s Origin pain
Rachael Pearson knows exactly how Jesse Southwell feels.
Southwell, a two-time premiership-winning halfback for Newcastle, was dropped from the NSW team for game one of the State of Origin series in Brisbane next Thursday, with coach Kylie Hilder opting for Roosters fullback Corban Baxter to pair Pearson in the halves.
Just under a year ago, Pearson received the same news when she was axed for game two.
“That was shattering. We lost game one, decisions had to be made really quickly for game two,” Pearson said.
“Obviously, that phone call isn’t a phone call that you ever want to get. I’m even emotional thinking about it now. To sort of relive that – work hard in the NRLW, work hard in this extended squad to get back into the team – it’s extra special.”
Hilder said Southwell was not alone in her disappointment at missing out, but should use it as motivation.
Rachael Pearson playing for NSW last year.
“Like all the other players, [Jesse was] obviously disappointed, but it is a three-game series, she is young, has plenty of time,” she said. “All of them were disappointed, as they should be – it’s getting to play for your state.
“I honestly do [feel sorry for Jesse] because obviously, I was in that position last year. I know how it feels, and it’s not only her, there are 36 [players] … had to have that phone call that they weren’t in, and they’ve been training really hard.
“It comes with the game, it’s how you react to that disappointment: whether you just dwell on it or whether you change it into a positive and get yourself back in and do the work and get rewards for doing that.”
The area of her game Pearson had to work on was being more assertive.
“I come across as too nice, and as a halfback, I need to be more dominant, and at times maybe not nice,” Pearson said.
“So that was probably some feedback [from last year] – be dominant, get mean if you have to. I think I’ve always respected all these players because I always thought they were a level above me, but I’m at that level.”
Her halves partner Baxter is no stranger to the Origin arena, but she predominantly plays at fullback. Although they’ve never played alongside each other, Pearson said she was confident they could get the combination humming.
The Sky Blues team for game one in Brisbane next week.
“She’s obviously a player that can play anywhere – she can be fullback, she can be centre, she’s that sort of utility role – but obviously training at five-eighth, she’s a running player, she’s got a kicking game, she’s exciting.”
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