Mitchell Pearce steps down as Knights captain after texts scandal

The Mitchell Pearce flirty text message scandal that forced the cancellation of his wedding has taken another twist, this time with on-field ramifications.

Newcastle halfback Mitchell Pearce has quit as club captain in the wake of his flirty text message scandal with a young female club employee.

The 31-year-old halfback will front the media to read a statement on Thursday morning to confirm he has stood down from the role as Knights skipper.

Pearce will insist it is his own decision and not a directive from the club.

Newcastle Knights halfback Mitchell Pearce and fiancee Kristin Scott.

Coach Adam O’Brien will front a press conference alongside Pearce to answer questions about the club’s future leadership plans.

Pearce has told club officials he is stepping away from the captaincy to try to salvage his relationship with his fiancee Kristin Scott.

Their Byron Bay wedding, with a guest list of 150, was called off on Christmas Eve after it was revealed Pearce had exchanged racy text messages with the club employee.

Mitchell Pearce will not wear the captain’s armband in 2021. Picture: AAP

The guest list included many of the NRL’s biggest names, who were told Sydney’s coronavirus outbreak was the reason behind the cancellation.

However, The Daily Telegraph understands Pearce has told teammates that he was caught out sending flirty text messages to a young female employee of the Knights.

The Knights, on Wednesday afternoon, published a statement on the club’s website which confirmed Pearce’s decision.

“Mitchell Pearce will step down as captain of the Newcastle Knights, effective immediately,” the statement read.

“Earlier this week, Pearce met with head coach Adam O’Brien, CEO Philip Gardner and general manager of football Danny Buderus, to address recent events and to apologise for the distraction and inconvenience they have caused during the Christmas leave period.

“Immediately following this meeting, Pearce met with his teammates and football department staff, to advise the group of his decision to relinquish the captaincy.

“Pearce’s decision followed a lengthy review of current issues, last season’s performance and reflection upon the added pressure the captaincy brings to both his on field performance and personal life. The club is fully supportive of his decision.

Pearce is attempting to salvage his relationship with fiancee Kristin Scott.

“The Knights will continue work to develop a new club leadership model, with a decision on new club leaders – including who will ultimately perform the role of captain – yet to be made.

“Pearce will address his decision to step down as captain on his return to training tomorrow.

The Newcastle Knights are committed to respecting the privacy of their employees, including any discussion of private matters in the public domain. At the conclusion of tomorrow’s media opportunity, no further comment will be made on this matter.”:

The 31-year-old Newcastle Knights skipper and Scott spent Christmas Day separately with their families.

Pearce’s fiancee has seen the text messages, as has the woman’s distraught partner.

Pearce and Ms Scott recently opened a fitness business in Newcastle and have often spoken about the excitement of getting married and starting a family.

They were engaged in April when Pearce spent $40,000 on a stunning engagement ring.

Ms Scott broke the news on social media: “Life has just fallen into place,” she wrote.

Buderus closed ranks around the Pearce texting scandal on Monday but hinted the embattled playmaker could be stripped of his captaincy.

Buderus confirmed Pearce was in Newcastle but was not present on the Knights’ return to pre-season training.

However, the 31-year-old halfback was due to return to training this week to address the playing group, which had been divided over Pearce’s actions.