Mitchell Pearce targeted by surprise NRL club

It has been revealed that a surprise NRL club discussed the prospect of signing recently retired halfback Mitchell Pearce.

Mitchell Pearce of the Knights runs the ball during the round 22 NRL match between the Cronulla Sharks and the Newcastle Knights at Moreton Daily Stadium, on August 15, 2021, in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)

It has been revealed that the Parramatta Eels discussed the prospect of recently retired halfback Mitchell Pearce as a possible replacement for the injured Mitch Moses.

According to News Corp, a mystery third party reportedly encouraged Eels general manager of football Mark O’Neill to entertain the idea however for both he and coach Brad Arthur, it didn’t go anywhere beyond a discussion.

However, James Hooper reported on Triple M that Parramatta powerbrokers contacted Pearce.

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“Had he said yes, there is a good chance Mitch Pearce would be wearing the Parramatta No. 7 jumper,” Hooper said.

Parramatta are rolling with young gun Blaize Talagi to partner Dylan Brown in the halves for the Easter Monday clash against the Tigers. Moses is set to miss up to three months with a fractured foot.

Mitchell Pearce finished his career with the Catalans Dragons. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)

NRL great Gorden Tallis said “why wouldn’t” the Eels discuss the possibility of signing Pearce, while James Graham said Pearce made the right decision.

“For Mitch, he’d be mad to come back and play. Imagine him coming back and the media scrutiny, the pressure. It would be a huge story,” Graham said on Triple M.

“Could he cope with it? Absolutely, yes. But does he want to put himself and his family through that again? I’d be amazed if he came back.”

Pearce retired from the sport after playing for Catalans Dragons in last season’s Super League grand final, shutting down any possible move back to the NRL.

Originally published as Mitchell Pearce targeted by surprise NRL club