FORMER Sydney Roosters playmaker Mitchell Pearce has shunned interest from Manly and Cronulla and is poised to sign a long-term deal with the Newcastle Knights.
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Pearce has agreed to terms on a four-year deal worth in excess of $4 million.
The news of Pearce's impending signing comes just 24 hours after his manager Steve Gillis met with Knights officials Phil Gardner and Darren Mooney for the first time in Newcastle.
The NSW Origin halfback quit the Roosters earlier this month following the club's decision to sign Kangaroos halfback Cooper Cronk.
He was widely tipped to link with Manly after the Eagles released Blake Green to the Warriors while Cronulla also emerged as a potential suitor.
But with the Knights having around $2 million left in their salary cap for next season, the Eagles and Sharks weren't able to get near Newcastle's massive offer.
The prospect of Pearce joining the wooden spooners in 2018 gathered momentum last Friday with the 28-year-old said to have been highly impressed after driving to Newcastle to meet with Knights coach Nathan Brown.
The fact the Knights had already signed his former Roosters teammates Aidan Guerra, Shaun Kenny-Dowall and Connor Watson proved to be a further attraction.
The Knights have also signed North Queensland star Kayln Ponga, ex-Brisbane duo Tautau Moga and Herman Ese'ese and Sharks veteran Chris Heighington but landing Pearce will be seen as a massive coup for the club.
The Roosters were keen to keep their long-term halfback at the club despite signing Cronk but after an overseas holiday, he made the decision a few weeks ago to seek a release.
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