LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Mitchell Pearce's dream of a fairytale ending with Catalans Dragons was shattered as they fell to a 10-2 defeat against Wigan Warriors in the Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford.
The match, witnessed by a crowd of 58,137 fans, saw both teams locked at 2-2 at halftime after each side successfully kicked a penalty goal.
However, it was Warriors winger Liam Marshall who scored the only try of the game, while Wigan also added another penalty goal to extend their lead.
Pearce had some defensive struggles throughout the game, including a crucial miss that led to Marshall's try.
Nevertheless, he did manage to make an important tackle just before being substituted with 13 minutes remaining.
Despite the disappointing result, Pearce's career has been illustrious, with 309 NRL games, a premiership, and 41 appearances in the English Super League.
He also represented New South Wales 19 times.
Although Wigan centre Jake Wardle was named the player of the match, it was the kicking game of halfback Harry Smith that proved to be the difference between the two sides.
The defeat means that Pearce's Super League journey ends without the fairytale finish he had hoped for, but his contributions to the sport and his achievements throughout his career remain significant.