In a strategic retention move to partly protect the club from the threat of a new Brisbane franchise joining the competition, the bulk of Newcastle's senior squad are contracted until at least the end of 2023 or beyond and are subsequently off limits.

Ponga and Frizell are in that category but both have options in their favour for 2023 which means they can choose to potentially leave the club at the end of next season. Neither player has indicated that will be the case.

Along with Pearce, the players whose contracts expire at the end of next season are props Jesse Sue, Pasami Saulo and Jirah Momoisea and outside backs Simi Sasagi and Brayden Musgrove.

Young playmaker Phoenix Crossland, who has agreed to terms on a new one-year deal but is yet to officially sign a contract, also falls into that category.

The Knights are in stark contrast to a club like the Parramatta Eels, who have 13 players coming off contract, including some of their biggest names, and are facing a battle to keep them all.

Knights head of recruitment Clint Zammit said having some stability in the roster is crucial, particularly in key positions.

"Given there is a new club likely to be coming in, we felt it was important to make sure the majority of our squad is tied down and that's what we have done," he said.

"You need that stability. The last thing you want it a whole heap of players coming off contract at the same time. You need to plan and structure it so that doesn't happen."

Pearce has been the centre of plenty of speculation about his playing future with the halfback, who turns 33 in April, unlikely to remain at the Knights beyond the end of next year.

Over the past few months, he has been linked to a couple of rival NRL clubs along with a potential move to Catalans in the English Super League. It has been suggested he may seek an immediate release if offered a longer term deal elsewhere.