Storm pulls out of race for Pearce due to salary cap constraints
THE race to sign Mitchell Pearce is back down to three NRL clubs after Melbourne Storm revealed it simply had no space in its salary cap to accommodate the ex-Rooster.
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MELBOURNE have pulled out of the race for Mitchell Pearce’s signature due to no space in the salary cap.
A week after skipper Cameron Smith endorsed Pearce, football manager Frank Ponissi confirmed the Storm won’t be signing the ex-Roosters halfback.
This leaves Manly, Newcastle and Cronulla fighting for the NSW playmaker’s services.
Pearce met with Knights officials last Friday to discuss the prospect of joining the Hunter-based club.
He was impressed with coach Nathan Brown’s sales pitch, but remains undecided about his future moving forward.
The Daily Telegraph contacted Pearce’s agent Steve Gillis, who stressed his client could take up to a week before announcing his new club.
MORE TO COME
MELBOURNE STORM
Off contract to end 2018: Nate Myles (2017), Shem Tatupu (2017), Sandor Earl (2018), Tino Fa’asuamaleaui (2018), Sale Finau (2018), Louis Geraghty (2018), Tim Glasby (2018), Harry Grant (2018), Ryan Hoffman (2018), Ryley Jacks (2018), Cooper Johns (2018), Tui Kamikamica (2018), Felise Kaufusi (2018), Vincent Leuluai (2018), Kayleb Milne (2018), Justin Olam (2018), Junior Ratuvu (2018), Curtis Scott (2018), Billy Slater (2018), Cameron Smith (2018), Shem Tatupu (2018), Lachlan Timms (2018), Young Tonumaipea (2018), Billy Walters (2018).
2018 Gains: Sandor Earl (uncontracted, 2018), Ryan Hoffman (New Zealand Warriors, 2018), Cooper Johns (2018), Sam Kasiano (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, 2020), Patrick Kaufusi (North Queensland Cowboys, 2019), Kayleb Milne (2018), Ryan Papenhuyzen (Wests Tigers, 2020), Junior Ratuvu (2018), Lachlan Timms (2018), Billy Walters (2018).
2018 Losses: Jesse Arthars (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Dean Britt (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Cooper Cronk (Sydney Roosters), Charlie Galo (released), Slade Griffin (Newcastle Knights), Tohu Harris (New Zealand Warriors), Jeremy Hawkins (released), Jordan McLean (North Queensland Cowboys), Mark Nicholls (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Robbie Rochow (Wests Tigers), Jake Turpin (released).