Rising through the WA ranks earning his first professional contract, local product Marley Pearce signs a two-year deal with the Western Force,
At just 19 years old, Pearce made his professional debut at Eden Park in Round 5 of the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season. Pearce went on to earn a further 8 Force caps scoring his first try against the Brumbies in front of the Sea of Blue in Round 13.
Selected in the 2023 Junior Wallabies squad, Pearce represented his country in three appearances in South Africa. His breakthrough year was capped off by receiving Force's Rising Star award at Force's annual Awards Night.
The young prop, humbled with the opportunity admits "I didn't want to go anywhere else. This has been my club forever. It was a no-brainer to stay."
"Playing at home has been a huge highlight. Playing in front of my family, friends and the Sea of Blue has always been a dream, and I can't wait to get the opportunity to do it all again for the next two years.
Signing my first professional contract is surreal, I know Cron wants the best for me and he believes in every player at this club. I want to go out there in every training, give it my all, and continue to play for the Force."
Graduating from the Fortescue Academy program, Pearce signs his first professional contract stating that this moment comes with immense honour.
"The progression from the Academy has been seamless. It just shows what trajectory the programs here are heading in."
Head coach Simon Cron credits Pearce's efforts this season "Marley was given an opportunity this year and grabbed it with both hands. He played nine games at the age of 19, which is unheard of in the front row in this competition.
"Marley is a great man who is always keen to learn and get better. This attitude towards training and his personal development is what we want here at the Force. We are looking forward to pushing him to another level in 2024."
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