Pearce back to replace suspended L\'Estrange

Sydney Roosters halfback Mitchell Pearce will make his return to the NRL from a back injury against the Gold Coast on Sunday, replacing suspended hooker Heath L'Estrange.

Pearce made a comeback in premier league last weekend after missing five weeks with the back complaint, which he suffered against the Bulldogs in round 16.

The teenager replaces L'Estrange after the hooker accepted a one-match ban for a lifting tackle on Wests Tigers hooker Robbie Farah last Friday.

Roosters coach Brad Fittler says he has yet to decide whether Pearce will start, meaning Craig Wing would move from halfback to hooker, or whether the teen prodigy will come off the bench.