Just watched the 360 NRL Fox show and I must agree with the NRL and some of the voices on this forum.
Lets get it clear what has happened
1. Pearse went to Thailand for a 4 week rehab programme. Now that programme may be very good, I dont know, but 4 weeks does not change attitudes, and given this is the second incident, just like Todd Carney, playing softly softly with what is obviously a serious problem for the young fellow, does not help him solve his problem
2. He said several times he is not an alcoholic, yet admitted his grandfather had an alcohol problem that caused Wayne to avoid the substance. He admits that there is probably a genetic predisposition for alcohol dependency, yet he is still after some pretty disturbing behaviour, denying alcoholism. He even hedged by saying he cant give an assurance he wont drink again, something at this stage he should not even be contemplating.
3. Its seems that this young fellow is a favourite son, and the media is going overboard about how honest he is being, that he has made a strong effort to address his problem and commending him. But all he has done so far is attend a course and say the right thing. The journey for this young fellow has barely started and they are treating him like a reformed character who can now get on with playing the game.
There are some serious issues about Rugby League players and alcohol and clubs and the media try to protect them. We know how that effected Carney (who also played for SC). Pearse says SC has a good culture. I dont see it with the number of their players that seem to get into trouble. The NRL need to play hard ball, not only for the games sake, but also for players like Pearse who will just think a rap on the knuckles is all they'll get. If they treat him with kid gloves, he'll be in trouble again within two years.
