Joe Pearce

The son of ‘Sandy’ Pearce and, as with his father, an Australian Test player and premiership-winning with Easts Sid ‘Joe’ Pearce started his career as a fullback with Easts in 1929 but quickly found a home in the forwards. A junior Australian Rules player in the district he first represented NSW in 1930 and made his Test debut against England in 1932. Although not a recognised goal-kicker Pearce kicked one goal in Australia’s heroic ‘Battle of Brisbane’ Second Test win in 1932 and later piloted 6 goals in a match for NSW against Queensland. Pearce captained Easts during the 1933 season and toured with the Kangaroos at the end of the year. He played in two Tests on tour (and 22 other matches) and scored 44pts (12t, 4g). A fine ball-player Pearce was a member of the champion Easts teams that won premierships in 1935-37 and played in Test series against NZ (1935) and England (1936) before gaining selection on his second Kangaroo Tour in 1937. Australia had been invited to play a Test series against NZ as the first stage of the tour and, unfortunately, Pearce broke his leg in Australia's Second Test loss. The champion forward was allowed to complete the tour travelling to England and France with his leg in plaster. While he never played for Australia again he was still representing NSW in his final year with Easts. His club career concluded the year after winning another premiership with Easts in 1940 when the club suffered defeat in the 1941 loss to St George. Pearce later coached Easts in 1944.