What’s The Buzz: Mitchell Pearce reaches out to Kalyn Ponga

Mitchell Pearce has thrown his support behind besieged Knights star Kalyn Ponga after a difficult season and opened up about his first year playing in France.

Mitchell Pearce and Kalyn Ponga. Picture: Brett Costello

Mitchell Pearce knows all about living in the fishbowl that is a rugby league town like Newcastle.

That’s why he’s feeling for besieged Knights skipper Kalyn Ponga right now.

The 33-year-old halfback experienced plenty of his own ups and downs in 15 seasons at the Roosters and the Knights – especially when he was around Ponga’s age.

That’s why he has reached out in recent weeks to the Newcastle fullback, from France.

We spoke to Pearce, who is in Perpignan preparing for the UK Super League finals, about Ponga and the Knights’ forgettable season.

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Mitchell Pearce has thrown his support behind Kalyn Ponga. Picture: Brett Costello

“Me and KP were texting the other day,” Pearce said. “I’ve got a lot of time for him.

“He’s new to the captaincy. I’ll say this … cream always rises to the top and I’m sure he’ll be okay and come back and have a big year next season.”

The Knights are still to decide if Ponga will be fined or punished after being caught leaving a toilet cubicle with teammate Kurt Mann after a boozy session at a Newcastle pub three weeks ago while both were out injured.

“I’ve only watched from a distance,” Pearce said. “Obviously I care about my mates there.

“It’s not good to see them struggling. When you’re losing it brings on external pressure.”

Pearce left the Knights at the end of the season to get a fresh start in the UK Super League.

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His team the Catalans Dragons have finished in the top four for the finals.

“I’m really excited about the next month of footy,” he said. “It would be huge to win a title over here. It’s been a great move for me. It opens your eyes up.

Mitchell Pearce is enjoying his stint in France at Catalan Dragons.

“I’d recommend it to anyone at the back end of your career or anyone looking for a new lease of life.”

He’s even starting to get a hang of the French language.

“I’m getting better,” he laughed. “I’ve been doing French lessons once a week.

“On the bus I try to sit with the French boys which helps.

“It’s all part of the experience — and I love it.”