Strugglers Newcastle have achieved a milestone moment in their rebuild with State of Origin halfback Mitchell Pearce agreeing to a rich four-year NRL deal.
Following his departure from the Sydney Roosters, Pearce has rejected offers from Cronulla and Manly in favour of moving up the M1 on a deal worth a reported $4 million.
Knights chief executive Phil Gardner has told Fairfax the parties have agreed to terms and that the deal is set to be ratified by the Wests Group board on Friday.
The Knights reportedly had $1.6 million to spend in their salary cap after three disastrous seasons in which they finished last and it’s believed the Sea Eagles and Sharks were unable to match their offer.
“We put in a very strong offer for Mitchell. We were not going to get in a bidding war with any other club,” Manly coach Trent Barrett said.
“Mitchell was honest through the whole process and we wish him all the best.
“We move forward with a very, very competitive playing roster for 2018 and onwards.”
Pearce sought a release from the Roosters following the arrival of Cooper Cronk from Melbourne and will join fellow former Tricolours Aidan Guerra, Shaun Kenny-Dowall and Connor Watson at the Knights.
Newcastle greats Andrew and Matthew Johns are said to have been instrumental in luring him to the club.
“I know something Mitchell wants to achieve is win another premiership,” Andrew Johns told the Nine Network.
“If he goes up there and if he wins a premiership, then his legacy will live forever in Newcastle.”
It leaves Manly without a recognised halves partner for Daly Cherry-Evans in 2018 following the departure of Blake Green to the Warriors.
Pearce is expected to team up with Watson in the halves next year, leaving youngster Brock Lamb’s future under a cloud.
The Knights say they have the money to retain Lamb but he might seek an opportunity elsewhere after proving himself during the Knights’ strong run home this year.
After the Knights missed out on marquee recruitment targets Jack Bird, Matt Scott, James Maloney and James Graham, the signing of Pearce shapes as turning point.
The high-calibre No.7 is the type of player coach Nathan Brown could build his club around and could act as a lure for other stars.
It also caps off an impressive signing spree in which they have netted Guerra, Kalyn Ponga, Chris Heighington, Jacob Lillyman and Tautau Moga.