Mitchell Pearce sheds white for first time in a decade as preseason begins in Newcastle

FOR the first time in his decade long club career Mitchell Pearce has shed the white from his jersey to adopt the straight red and blue of the Newcastle Knights.

Mitchell Pearce pictured for the first time in Knights gear. Picture: Newcastle Knights Facebook

FOR the first time in his decade long club career Mitchell Pearce has shed the white from his jersey to adopt the straight red and blue of the Newcastle Knights.

The star recruit was pictured on the club’s social media channels today in what is sure to be a welcome sight for Newcastle supporters struggling through any Monday morning perils.

The Knights’ marquee signing posed in training gear with a club football ahead of his first session with the squad this morning.

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Mitchell Pearce in 🔴🔵!

He kicks off his pre-season this morning.#goKnights pic.twitter.com/cjuPFBYdKU

— Newcastle Knights (@NRLKnights) 3 December 2017

Mitchell Pearce has had his first interview in Knights colours!

Watch the full 🎥: https://t.co/WpYlpmYOgJ#goKnights pic.twitter.com/USghyWBoa0

— Newcastle Knights (@NRLKnights) 3 December 2017

🏉 #goKnights pic.twitter.com/IPTOzljvOm

— Newcastle Knights (@NRLKnights) 3 December 2017

Pearce revealed he had made a phone call to incumbent Knights half Brock Lamb urging him to stay at the club despite the former Rooster’s arrival.

“I’ve got a really big rap on Brock Lamb,” Pearce told the club’s website.

“I spoke to him on the phone as soon as I signed. Being a halfback coming to the club where it has been his team.

‘’I’m really excited about the halves and the development in the halves over the next couple of years.

Mitchell Pearce wants Brock Lamb to stay at the Knights.

‘’I’d love Brock to stay.

‘’Before I came here I was a big fan of the way he played.

‘’For a 20-year-old, the way he played in a team that was down the bottom of the ladder, he was a real stand out. He’s got a massive future and he’s a local junior and I’d love to form some sort of combination there.’’

Newcastle fended off interest from Manly and Cronulla to capture the services of the 238-game veteran in what will be a vital injection of experience to the rebuilding club littered with youth.

Pearce joins the exciting new-look spine comprising of Kalyn Ponga, Connor Watson and Danny Levi, while Brock Lamb is another lingering option for Nathan Brown.