'Au revoir': League world reacts to big Mitchell Pearce news
The Australian rugby league community is paying its respects to Mitchell Pearce after news the veteran halfback has been released by the Newcastle Knights.
On Monday, the Knights confirmed that they'd granted Pearce a release from the final year of his contract, with the 32-year-old set to join Super League club, Catalans Dragons.
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The French side is the same one that released controversial cross-code superstar Israel Folau earlier this year.
Pearce requested a release from the final year of his current contract in late October, with the Knights finally agreeing to let him go, effective immediately.
The 32-year-old joined the club in 2017 and has played 309 NRL games, including 10 seasons with the Sydney Roosters, with whom he won a premiership.
Newcastle released a statement to thank the veteran halfback for his service to the club and wish him the best for his next adventure.
"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," the statement read.
"The club wishes Mitchell all the very best for his future."
The former NSW Origin halfback helped the Knights reach the NRL finals for a second straight year after returning from a long stint on the sidelines with a pectoral muscle injury.
He played 19 State of Origin games for the Blues and was the youngest man to reach the 200-game milestone mark in the NRL in 2015.
Pearce agreed a one-year extension with the Knights earlier this year but has opted for a change of scenery at the Catalans Dragons, following James Maloney's retirement.
"We've shown we are interested in him, but it comes down to whether Newcastle are prepared to let him go early," Catalans football manager Alex Chan said in October.
The No. 7, who has played 309 games for the Roosters and the Knights, has endured a difficult 12 months in Newcastle.
He was stood down from the captaincy after the high-profile cancellation of his wedding, following an alleged scandal involving a teammate's girlfriend.
NRL fans farewell Mitchell Pearce
Pearce was also restricted to just 12 games last season due to injury.
The league world has been quick to pay tribute to the 32-year-old, following his exit from the NRL.
He couldn't gel the team to a top four winning side due to a poor back line? Tried though. A fitting end to a fine career albeit speckled with dumb choices. All the best Mitchell Pearce.👍
— AndyOges (@andyoges) November 14, 2021
@NRLKnights confirm #MitchellPearce will join the #CatalanDragons effective immediately, likely putting an end to a highly decorated 309-game career in the #NRL.https://t.co/vHVbHqDSAb pic.twitter.com/AUHkUc4v7o
— Robert Smith (@OnyaDon) November 14, 2021
Farewell, Mitchell Pearce 🙌 pic.twitter.com/0so2iG4c1k
— NRL (@NRL) November 14, 2021
Newcastle have confirmed veteran playmaker Mitchell Pearce will join the Catalan Dragons effective immediately, likely putting an end to a highly decorated 309-game career in the NRL, via @anewts91 https://t.co/NEMMMd291B
— Brad Walter (@BradWalterSport) November 14, 2021
Hooray. Let him enjoy the remainder of his career at the Catalans Dragons he has earned it. Knights can now get on with a new half back pairing and search for a new full back.
— Richard Baxter (@dap1332) November 15, 2021
Mitchell Pearce has been officially released by the Knights to join the Catalan Dragons.
He leaves the NRL after 309 games, a premiership and 19 Origins for NSW.
Au revoir.#NRL pic.twitter.com/any91vH26B— bet365 AUS (@bet365_aus) November 14, 2021
Finally official: Newcastle Knights have agreed to grant Mitchell Pearce a release to join French Super League club, Catalans Dragons
— Dean Ritchie (@BulldogRitchie) November 14, 2021
Wow! The deal is done! Mitchell Pearce to Catalans confirmed!!! https://t.co/CmkRTTYOyc
— Martin Hughes (@mhughes1992) November 14, 2021
with AAP
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