YOU would think that NSW's debutant halfback Mitchell Pearce, who is about to become just the fourth player in State of Origin's 28-year history to follow his father's footsteps into rugby league's annual interstate arena, would be nervous. Not a bit of it.

But while the confident 19-year-old Rooster is "backing" himself, his father, the former Kangaroos, Balmain and NSW great Wayne "Junior" Pearce, is nervous enough for both of them and, though undoubtedly proud, believes the Blues selectors should have given his son one more year to develop, rather than blooding him in next week's Origin decider.

"As a coach, I'd probably be looking to put him in there; as a parent I'd hoped they'd look to next year," Pearce said. "I just think the way he's developing he'd definitely be able to control a game like this by next year. But they've thrown him in there and I've no doubt he'll do the job."

Pearce jnr pronounced himself "over the moon" and definitely not about to sit and wait. "If you get the opportunity you're not going to say no. I've been confident in my footy all year but in the last six weeks I think I've improved a lot more. I'll back myself and I'm looking forward to it."

Like father, like son

Martin Lang (Qld, 1998-2000)

Steve Rogers (NSW, 1980-82)

Mat Rogers (Qld, 1999-2000)

Eric Grothe (NSW, 1981, 83-86)

Eric Grothe jnr (NSW, 2006)

Wayne Pearce (NSW, 1983-88)

Mitchell Pearce (NSW, 2008)