Newcastle confirm Mitchell Pearce transfer

Newcastle Knights have confirmed halfback Mitchell Pearce has been released from his contract to join Catalans Dragons.

Pearce initially joined the Knights ahead of the 2018 season from Sydney Roosters. He marked his debut with the game-winning drop-goal against Manly.

The 32-year-old has more than 300 NRL appearances to his name. He also has 19 Origin appearances for New South Wales.

In October, the club had announced Mitchell had asked for a release from the final year of his contract.

In a statement on the club website, the Knights said: “The nib Newcastle Knights have agreed to grant Mitchell Pearce a release to join English Super League Club, Catalans Dragons. 

“Pearce requested a release from the final year of his current contract in late October, with both parties working through the process, making it effective immediately.

“The Knights would like to thank Mitchell for his significant contribution since joining the club in 2017, celebrating many highlights including 300 NRL games and back-to-back finals series.”

Catalans find Maloney replacement

Last season’s league leaders had a gap to plug in the team following the retirement of halfback James Maloney. He scored 340 points for the Dragons in the Super League.

Replacing someone of Maloney’s calibre was always going to be difficult for the Dragons, and it would seem they have found their man in Pearce.

He will be the first player the Dragons will have brought ahead of the 2022 season. Maloney and Joel Tomkins are the only confirmed departures so far.

Catalans will find out their opponents in the Super League on 25th November, ahead of a February start.

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