A Force supporter from as long as he can remember, Fortescue Academy player Marley Pearce, a boy from Joondalup, made his Western Force debut on one of the biggest stages in the world, Eden Park.
At 19 years old Pearce is one of the youngest props to debut for a Super Club. He is shaping up significantly younger than his loosehead counterparts, on average, the oldest position for New Zealand and Australian teams at 29.
Running on at the 50-minute mark against the Blues, representing his state at the highest level, he admits, came as a surprise and with immense honour.
"Running on in the Force jersey with the black swan on my chest was incredibly special. Being from WA, the Force is my club. I have been supporting them since they were established and they pretty much meant the world to me."
“The opportunity to debut for a club I have been supporting my whole life was a dream come true. I can imagine going any other club, really.”
"Sunday felt like a dream, to be honest. At the time, it didn't feel like it was happening. It was just a crazy experience. It still doesn't feel real, it still hasn't sunk in yet."
Sticking to his strengths and relishing in the opportunity after three years of climbing the Force's academy ranks, Pearce vows he felt at home on the pitch.
The Fortescue Academy, headed by Chris Goodman continues to produce top tier talent through unique immersive opportunities permitting young West Australian up-and-comers to reach their potential in their home state.
“Constantly performing in the Academy he has made is way up the ranks over the last three years and his debut was a testament to his dedication he has put in,” Goodman commented.
“He adds depth to the front row and is a valuable asset, to the future of the program here at the Force.”
“Marley deserves this opportunity in every way, it shows how the Academy program here is working and growing young talent from not only WA but across Australia and the Tasman.”
"I felt like I belonged out there. There wasn't any nerves. I felt confident in myself. I was just happy to be with my boys, out there with my team."
"Looking back three weeks ago, I was just an academy player if you told me then I was playing against the Blues in a few games, I wouldn't have believed you. So it all happened really fast."
Flying six and a half hours to watch his son accomplish his dream, Pearce's dad was there in the stands surprising him at the very last moment.
"I was walking out to the warm-up and saw him in the stands; it was a full surprise."
"Having him there definitely made the experience that more important. Just being around the boys is awesome, but having my dad there to watch me in my very first game so far away from home was pretty much the cherry on top."
"I Face Timed my mum after the game and it was a really special moment. I don't think there was much talking it was more tears, but yeah, she was just proud of me."
“Dad was saying to me after the game that I worked hard for it, same with Mum, they both told me worked hard for it and I deserve it so take in this and enjoy the experience.”
Pearce kept calm in the lead-up, aided by some prominent figures' words of advice.
"A couple of the senior boys, like Folau and Feleti gave me a bit of guidance in treating it like another game and sticking to the way I play. They emphasised being confident, being myself, and enjoying it."
Pearce will get his second shot this weekend when the Force take on the Hurricanes in the final leg of their New Zealand tour.
We wish you all the best in your career Marley #forceforever
