MITCHELL Pearce.

Nigh on the most polarising character in rugby league today, Pearce’s name is rarely said in positive tones in New South Wales.

So much so, a wave of disapproval met Blues coach Laurie Daley’s announcement the Roosters halfback would play five-eighth for NSW in tonight’s State of Origin series opener at ANZ Stadium.

Considering NSW is gunning to defend its 2014 series win and Pearce boasts a dreadful Origin record of 12 games for just three victories, the outcry isn’t without merit.

Gold Coast Titans utility, and Orange product, Dan Mortimer, who played alongside Pearce in the Roosters’ 2013 premiership-winning team, disagreed, backing the pivot 100 per cent.

“He’s matured a lot since the last time he played State of Origin (in 2013),” Mortimer said.

“He’s got plenty of experience, he’s played in big games like grand finals and played well. A lot of people forget how young he got thrown in there, he’s played (12) games and he’s only 26.

“I think he’s definitely in career best form and deserved another shot, he’s much more of a leader now, I think he’ll do a good job.”

However, for Mortimer, doing a good job against the might of the Maroons might not be enough.

“Queensland are still favourites for me,” Mortimer said.

“Any side with the likes of (Jonathon) Thurston, (Greg) Inglis and (Cameron) Smith in it is always going to be tough to beat.

“They showed last year in game three how good they still are, they came out and blew NSW off the paddock.

“I think we were very lucky to have the series wrapped up by then.”

Outside Pearce, the Orange product is convinced Daley has named the right side to once again conquer Queensland - looking to redeem itself after last year’s loss cracked an eight-series winning streak.

Mortimer did concede he would have kept the Roosters’ halves pairing together if he was in Daley’s shoes though.

“On form I think I would have had (Roosters five-eighth James) Maloney in there, but in saying that (Bulldogs half) Trent Hodkinson came up with the biggest play last year and you can’t take that away from him, and I’ll back anyone wearing a sky blue jumper all the way” Mortimer said.

“At the end of it I think State of Origin games are won in the forwards, and Laurie (Daley) has picked a big pack which can more than match it with Queensland’s.”