Weeks of speculation as to Mitchell Pearce’s future have come to a stunning conclusion today, with news the former Sydney Roosters halfback will sign a lucrative deal with three-time reigning wooden spooners Newcastle.
Manly had previously been considered the frontrunners to secure the Origin regular, with the opportunity to play alongside Daly Cherry-Evans and under the tutelage of Trent Barrett an alleged ‘trump card’ up the Sea Eagles’ sleeve.
The recent release of five-eighth Blake Green was supposedly to make room for Pearce’s large salary demands.
Melbourne had also been linked to the lifelong Rooster, but pulled out of the race due to salary cap constraints, while Cronulla had also been considered a frontrunner to secure his signature.
But it now appears Pearce has been lured to the Knights, after the rebuilding club granted his request to be paid roughly $1 million a season.
The native Sydneysider made his debut for the Chooks in 2007, going on to play for the Bondi-based club for the next ten years. He made his representative debut in just his second season, playing as halfback for City in a 22-all draw with Country.
He became a regular fixture for New South Wales in State of Origin as well, however, his role as chief playmaker during a terrible decade for the Blues has made him somewhat of a poster boy of their futility.
He did, however, taste ultimate success in 2013, starring in a Roosters side that took out both the minor premiership and the premiership itself.
His career has not been without controversy, however, with alcohol-related misbehaviours in 2014 and 2016 seeing him temporarily leave the country to receive treatment.
The 28-year-old requested an immediate release from his contract after the Roosters signed Melbourne veteran Cooper Cronk.
MORE TO COME
Brian
Guest
Mitchell Pearce one million dollars a year what a joke, Newcastle have shown they have No brains myself a mad Roosters fan I am so glad the Roosters Have finally come to there sense and let the over rated player go,he is a hand brake on the Roosters, Facts are six state of Origin appearances without a series win, Game two last years Origin 16 times the winger bought the ball off his own line after Pearces dump kicking game. Thanks Newcastle for taking Pearce trust me you will regret it.
Oto shark
Guest
Jock cornet ,haha , funny.
Jock Cornet
Guest
It will be 60-0 to the roosters
Jeremy
Guest
Part of the value of bringing Pearce is that he will help those young players at the Knights, especially the halves, develop into better players. It isn't simply about results now. I also think Lamb will stay. In 4 years, he will only be 24.
Big Daddy
Guest
Can't wait until newcastl versus roosters It will be roosters first grade versus rooster's second grade
Albo
Guest
Can't agree with you Jock ! Pearce always gives 100% effort in any game he plays. It might not always reap productive results, but you can never knock him for effort he puts in. I expect him to be the one of best imports ever for the Knights.
BA Sports
Guest
Agree. When you consider how difficult it can be to attract players to a club who (realisiticaly) are not premiership contenders, I think Brown has done really well to get the names he has. Not all will work out (I would see if Manly are interested in taking Buhrer back), but he has given the club a chance to get out of the whole Bennett dug for them.
Albo
Guest
Yep ! If Pearce can bring them the organisation needed, they will be a tough side to beat !
Chook
Guest
I cant see it achieving anything on the field. Ive seen articles by Andrew Johns and others saying The Knights are top 8 team with Mitchell. Well I guess anythings possible but I just don't see it. Mitchell is a lot of things but he is not a superstar. He is solid which is probably the nicest thing I can say about him.
Tom G
Guest
Robson and Green are a fair comparison.. I also forgot that Manly currently have Hastings and Cullen on the books who are both very handy players. Cullen in particular was great in NSW Cup albeit at hooker and looked good when given a first grade chance at times. Hastings very versatile and has a good kicking game too. Maybe the $850 Barrett has now would be better spent on another forward or two.
Albo
Guest
Its the best move for both Pearce and the Knights ! Pearce is better off out of Sydney and at a club where he will be running the show with a young developing team, and he gets $1m a year for it ! The Knights get a premium half with lots of experience ( very few of them are around) and 100% commitment to his game.
Dutski
Roar Guru
As a Roosters fan sorry to see him go. Great pickup for the Knights. I can see Pearce and Watson in the halves. The club needs Buhrer fit and as captain- he's critical as a calm head and consistent performer. Good times for the Knights. As for the chooks? This time two years ago we were excited about the pairing of Pearce and Hastings in the halves. That never came to fruition for a number of reasons, number 1 being Pearce's suspension. Now neither are at the club. Cronk as an organiser with Keary a running half? That plays to their skills but will take time to gel. With so many new halves combos across the league the first half of 2018 will be a tipsters nightmare!
Jock Cornet
Guest
They paid overs for a player on the downhill slide. He needs to be at a strong club like Cronulla, he won't lift a club like the knights. 4 spoons coming up. Dud buy, he will just sit and plan his future after footy.
Griffo
Guest
I don't know how well this is going to work out on the field. I'm not sure how well he is going to lead atound the park a young and inexperienced team. Plus his off-field antics make me think he's not the best role model for the younger guys. I think this could be an expensive mistake for Newcastle.
Chook
Guest
I'm happy for MP. Giving Politis the bird..Good luck to him
no one in particular
Roar Guru
market price for a regular starting half. Just look at what the Dragons are paying Hunt, similar to what the Sharks are paying Moylan
Jimmmy
Guest
Good luck to Pearce and to the Knights but gee I am not so sure. Pearce is a very good club half back , but he is just not worth a mil a season . Cronk, JT, DCE and that’s it for mine. Maybe I’m a hard marker. I reckon the knights would be better developing their own in Lamb, but everyone wants results now. Can’t wait to find out how this goes. I really hope I’m wrong and that he turns out to be a bargain.
Dave_S
Guest
Peter can you blame him? Pretty sure I would have gone to the highest bidder in the same circumstances. As in, 95% sure.
Ruben
Guest
Great news, he's a great first grade player. Ponga, Watson, Pearce and Levi is a decent spine. With the other buys (Moga, Essese, Guerra, and SKD) we will be top 8 contenders. We have good young forwards coming through as well. I hope we retain Jamie Burher as he's very underrated. Knights to win it all in 2020.
bear54
Excellent news. When the Knights are struggling (again) next year no one will be calling for Pearce to wear the NSW number 7 again...... except maybe Nathan Brown?