Former Roosters and Knights halfback Mitchell Pearce has opened up about his battles with alcohol, revealing he’d given up the drink during his spell in the Super League.
Sitting down with Yvonne Sampson in Fox League’s Face-to-Face, Pearce explained he’d made some “big changes” in his life for the better.
The 35-year-old’s rugby league talent could never be denied, but it was his off-field antics that seemed to inhibit his ability to reach his full potential.
Watch the full Face-to-Face with Mitchell Pearce on Fox Sports and Kayo!
Following the infamous events that took place on Australia Day in 2016, Pearce admitted he had a “problem with alcohol and it’s something I need to address”.
“It wasn’t until the second year (in the Super League) I made some big changes, I actually stopped drinking and had some really solid friends there,” Pearce said.
“Michael McIlorum, one of the greats over there, and Tyrone May who became a really solid friend of mine. We had a good brotherhood there, we spent a lot of time together.
“All three of us, the boys stopped drinking before me, but they were really good influences on me to get off alcohol and really focus on lifestyle.
“It’s why I came back with a different perspective… it’s been a problem throughout my whole career and my life. You don’t really realise until you stop.
“You sort of look back and go oh, I sort of sabotaged a bit there… I would have had more balance in my life if (I gave it up sooner).”
