Pearce seeks immediate release from Knights
Former Brydens Lawyers NSW Blues halfback Mitchell Pearce could have played his last game in the NRL as he seeks to continue his career in the English Super League.
The Newcastle Knights confirmed in a statement that Pearce, who turns 33 next April, had made an official request for an immediate release from the final year of his contract.
He signed an extension for the 2022 season in March earlier this year.
“The Knights have agreed to consider the request, with both parties respectfully agreeing to make no further comment until an outcome is determined,” a club statement said.
The Super League club Pearce has been approached by was not named, but there has been speculation the Catalans Dragons want to sign him as a replacement half for the now-retired James Maloney.
Maloney and Pearce were the halves pairing for the Sydney Roosters in the 2013 premiership win over Manly Warringah Sea Eagles.
Pearce’s 15-year NRL career has been spread between just two clubs – the Roosters and the Knights. He reached his 300th game milestone in 2021 and has helped Newcastle reach the finals for the past two years after a six-year absence.
The talented No.7 played 19 games for NSW and won the Origin shield for the Brydens Lawyers NSW Blues in 2019 – once again partnering Maloney at five-eighth and throwing a key pass in Game Three to spark the match-winning try.
In the Knights club statement, it said discussions between Pearce and the club remained “productive, with both parties focussed on achieving a positive outcome while maintaining the great relationship that currently exists”.
No specific timeline was given on when a decision would be reached.