Manly are still involved in “meaningful discussions” with NRL target Mitchell Pearce, according to the club’s new chief executive Lyall Gorman.
The Sea Eagles, Cronulla and Newcastle shape as the final contenders for Pearce’s signature, after Melbourne Storm reportedly pulled out of the race on Monday due to salary cap constraints.
The Knights have no such issue and would likely offer the most lucrative contract of the remaining trio, with the bonus of playing alongside former Sydney Roosters teammates Aidan Guerra, Connor Watson and Shaun Kenny-Dowall.
But the Hunter-based club cannot currently match the others when it comes to premiership potential.
Gorman, who made the switch from the Sharks only weeks ago, made clear how eager Manly still are for the NSW playmaker’s services.
“We’re very keen to get Mitch if we can,” Gorman told AAP.
“We’re certainly still engaged in meaningful discussion with him through his agent.
“We’ve got a great respect for his football heritage. I know his family very well. I know Mitch, he’s a really great person and a natural leader.
“Our playing group and coach rate him highly. I rate him highly on and off the field and we’ll see where that goes in the next couple of weeks.”
Helping Manly’s cause is Pearce’s closeness to re-signed coach Trent Barrett, having played with him for the Blues.
A move to Brookvale would also open the door for a partnership with former Queensland halfback Daly Cherry-Evans, who has reportedly offered to move to No.6 to accommodate Pearce’s arrival.
“He’d offset Daly very nicely,” Gorman said.
“He’d add a bit more flair and diversity. He’s a natural leader, an organiser, a perfectionist, and an elite talented footballer.”
With pre-season already under way Pearce will be looking to have his future sorted soon, perhaps even as soon as the end of the week.
Gorman has been in his new job less than two weeks but said he’s “been given very strong empowerment” by the Sea Eagles board and owners the Penn family.
He brings experience and stability to a club dealing with the NRL salary cap investigation and recovering from a tough year during which predecessor Tim Cleary quit, the club was investigated then cleared for match fixing and legend Bob Fulton vacated his consultancy position.
Jimmy
Guest
I see him going to Manly,to play with his best mate Curtis Sironen,the Roosters players at the Knights in white satin,are more so pleading for him to join them up here at Newy,as they don't want to be part of 4 wooden spoons in a row. Bit of side news,hearing Roger Tuivasa Sheck is keen on leaving the Warriors,and his manager already has Wests Tigers very keen to fill one of their two vacant spots,who knows,they may sign his bro as well to sweeten the deal.
Steve
Guest
Pearce is so overrated i wouldn't have him in any team.Especially get rid of him from the NSW team .
paul
Guest
I'd love to see Pearce go to the Knights. That would be his chance to put his stamp on a team, through his leadership. Sure, they're not likely to win a premiership in 2018, but he could make them very competitive and certainly a top 8 chance.
Conan of Cooma
Roar Rookie
I hate to say it but the Sharks look like they will be getting Pearce's signature. Manly can't match the Sharks or Knights financially - by a large margin, and the Knights simply don't have upcoming premiership credentials.