Pearce Apologises Ahead Of NRL Return

Mitchell Pearce has again apologised to Roosters fans as he prepares to return to the NRL.

The New South Wales halfback has been named to play the Knights on Saturday, in what will be his first appearance since serving an eight match ban.

Speaking for the first time since arriving back from a Thailand rehabilitation centre, Pearce says he still feels bad for his actions.

"I've let a lot of people down, and kind of gone quiet but in my mind I've been doing a lot of work behind closed doors."

He said he was "under no illusions of where I'm at in my career, as a player right now."

"I'm a guy coming back into a team that I've let down and I've got to make amends."

Pearce believes he's the key piece to help the Roosters return to winning ways in the NRL.

Last year's minor premiers are bottom of the ladder.

"Play upbeat with big forward packs, which suits our style. We just haven't really kicked into gear too well."

"Looking forward to having an impact around the ruck, there'll definitely be more speed there and that will definitely be an area we can capitalise on."

Radio Sport